Potential of Solar Energy Utilization for Process Heating in Paper Industry in India: A Preliminary Assessment

This paper presents the results of a preliminary assessment towards the potential estimation of solar process heating in paper industry in India. To begin with, data for (i) classification of paper mills on the basis of size and feedstock used (ii) extent of cogeneration in paper mills (iii) annual paper production (feed stock wise) (iv) specific thermal energy requirement for process heating etc. have been collected. Annual process heating requirement for paper production (based on feed stock used) in paper mills in India has been estimated. Availability of adequate solar resource in different states of the country was assessed for potential estimation. Some commercially available solar collectors that can supply heat at required temperature of paper industry (50-2500C) have been selected and an assessment of their performance has been made. Majority of paper mills in India those are using agro residues and recycled fibers as raw feedstock are located in the states with adequate DNI availability (1900kWh/m2). Annual process heating potential for the paper industry in India has been estimated at 43 PJ.