The Project’s Achievements:
Investment
6.5 million euros.
CO2 emissions saved
22.000 tonnes CO2 per year.
Any other sustainable benefits
Grid balancing and congestion management
Demand-side flexibility with an e-boiler and CHP unit
Project description
The novel combination of a new e-boiler and an existing highly flexible combined heat and power (CHP) allows the mill to switch between renewable electricity and natural gas to produce steam. The old gas-fired backup boiler was replaced by the e-boiler, which, alongside the CHP, provides the automated frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) balancing service to the transmission system operator (TSO).
The project is replicable. Many other e-boilers are being built in the Netherlands and beyond, and CHP units are being refurbished for greater flexibility. As a balancing service provider (BSP) for aFRR, Sappi Maastricht helps other companies valorise their flexibility and shares knowledge.
The project was promoted internally, winning the global Technical Innovation Award, and externally, with extensive media coverage. The case was also presented at several energyrelated events.
The implemented solution
The initial goal was to achieve 40 MW of flexible capacity (20 MW from the e-boiler and 20 MW from the CHP). However, during the start-up year, the flexible capacity reached 68 MW thanks to the addition of the CHP steam turbine and enhancing the gas turbine’s flexibility. This led to significant financial savings, CO2 reduction, and a large contribution to the grid stability, supporting the Netherlands’ energy transition. Later, the mill also started providing congestion management to the distribution system operator (DSO), securing a first-of-its-kind contract.
The start-up of a second e-boiler is scheduled at the end of 2025.
The key hurdles solved
• A national subsidy was acquired for the e-boiler (SDE++, a contract for difference – CFD).
• Permits obtained for e-boiler construction.
• Increased contracted transport capacity for grid connection.
• The mill became a BSP for the delivery of aFRR.
• Provides congestion management for the Dutch DSO with a first-of-its-kind contract (can be used for other flexible assets).
• Optimised bidding strategies, generating additional income and reducing CO2 emissions
Key Suppliers / Partners
- “Eco steam and heating” was a turnkey supplier of the e-boiler project.
- “Parat Halvorsen” is the supplier of the e-boiler.
- The grid is balanced for the TSO TenneT.
- Congestion management was delivered for the DSO Enexis.
“Sappi Maastricht plays a pioneering role in the energy transition as the first production company in the Netherlands to provide a specific balancing service (aFRR) to TenneT using an e-boiler. This e-boiler balances the electricity grid and electrifies our steam demand, significantly reducing natural gas use and enhancing our site’s sustainability. We also utilise the e-boiler to manage grid congestion effectively, thereby freeing up local grid capacity to better serve households and businesses. By combining innovation with sustainability, Sappi Maastricht benefits both its operations and the wider community, driving progress in the energy transition.”
Joep Berghs
Coordinator Energy & Environment
