Decarbonising Pulp & Paper
How AMP is helping Scottish Mills Cut Carbon and Costs
Paper manufacturing is a cornerstone of Scotland’s industrial economy, yet its energy demands remain heavily exposed to volatile fossil fuels and escalating regulatory pressure. Meeting Scotland’s ambitious Net Zero 2045 goals requires immediate, decisive action on industrial heat – without eroding margins or compromising the essential 200°C process heat required for drying.
A Proven Track Record in Heavy Industry Decarbonisation
AMP is already delivering net zero energy solutions for leading industrial clients in the Scottish supply chain, proving that deep decarbonisation at scale is achievable today.
At Simpsons Malt, we partnered to cut energy-intensive kilning emissions by 80% with a pioneering £45 million hybrid energy centre. This facility successfully integrates a 12MW electric boiler powered by secured curtailed wind energy. This project is the UK’s first high-voltage electric boiler deployment to decarbonise an industrial heat process using this unique resource.
At Bunnahabhain Distillery, we eliminated 5,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually with a fully financed energy centre, achieving net zero distillation 15 years ahead of target.
These are operational projects demonstrating our capability to deliver reliable, high-capacity, zero-carbon heat solutions across the Scottish industrial landscape, entirely funded and risk-managed by AMP.
The Financial and Operational Pains Facing Scottish Paper Mills
The manufacture of paper faces unique pressures derived from energy intensity and concentrated regulatory timelines.
Escalating Costs of Carbon and Fuel Volatility
Paper manufacturing relies significantly on natural gas (accounting for over 20% of energy inputs) for high-grade steam. This reliance exposes mills to extreme price volatility and the escalating financial burden of the UK ETS, where the price of carbon averaged £37 per tonne in 2024. This constant financial pressure threatens the profitability of the sector.
The High-Temperature Decarbonisation Hurdle
The drying process, consuming approximately 70% of the mill’s heat, requires reliable, high-pressure steam, often demanding temperatures around 200°C. Meeting this demand with low-carbon alternatives at industrial scale, without significant risk or CAPEX, has historically been a critical technical barrier.
Risk of Carbon Leakage
With Scotland targeting Net Zero by 2045 (and ambitious 2030 targets), the pressure to invest substantial capital is acute. Absent a competitive source of clean energy, the threat of carbon leakage – where production moves abroad – jeopardises the long-term future of Scottish manufacturing.
A Uniquely Scottish Advantage
Scotland’s structural energy problem is the solution. The growing congestion on the transmission grid forces the curtailment of vast amounts of renewable power – costing the system over £100 million annually and potentially rising to £1 billion by 2025.
AMP has the market access and established infrastructure to convert this otherwise wasted wind energy into the lowest-cost, zero-carbon steam available in the UK. We transform a structural grid problem into a stable, long-term competitive asset for your business.
AMP’s Industrial Heat Solution: Powering Production with Wasted Wind
AMP provides a comprehensive, end-to-end decarbonisation strategy, with our electric steam boiler (eBoiler) platform offering an immediate, scalable solution for high-grade heat. Our high-capacity eBoilers turn Scotland’s surplus wind power into reliable, zero-carbon process steam, delivered directly to your site at 99% efficiency.
No CAPEX:
We fund, own, and operate the entire system. This removes the single largest barrier to industrial transformation from your balance sheet.
Hybrid Security:
Our solutions are designed for seamless integration with your existing energy assets (such as thermal buffers or existing CHP), guaranteeing constant, reliable steam supply.
Immediate impact:
By displacing natural gas, you cut your largest source of purchased fossil fuel emissions almost overnight, achieving rapid progress toward Scottish regulatory goals.
Predictable pricing:
Long-term supply contracts provide fixed, transparent costs, shielding your mill from volatile fossil fuel and carbon market fluctuations.
That means major carbon cuts, no increase in costs, and no operational risk.
Case Study
Simpsons Malt
- £45 million low-carbon energy centre funded, owned and operated by AMP
- 25 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year
- Powered by wind energy that would have been turned off
- Biomass & electric boiler hybrid solution
- 80% reduction in kilning emissions
Simpsons Malt low-carbon energy centre
Why partner with AMP
Scotland’s lowest-cost zero-carbon heat, secured through exclusive access to curtailed renewable power.
Technology-agnostic, tailored long-term solutions designed for each site.
End-to-end delivery and risk transfer from financing and permitting to grid connection and operation. AMP carries the performance and investment risk.
Backed by the UK’s National Wealth Fund, ensuring the security and longevity of your long-term energy contracts
Secure the future of
Scotland’s Manufacturing
The future competitiveness of the Scottish Pulp & Paper sector depends on securing clean, affordable, reliable energy supply today.
AMP is ready to deploy the infrastructure needed to leverage Scotland’s unique energy advantage.
Act now to protect your mill’s operational security and reputation. Request a free, confidential site appraisal and see exactly how AMP can deliver zero-carbon process heat without CAPEX or operational risk.
Request a free site appraisal
Take the next step towards decarbonising your distillery
