The document 'European Discussion regarding a Clean Transition' recognizes the need to strengthen Europe as a site and trade destination. Their objective is to help industries build a business model adapted to a low-carbon economy. The pulp and paper industry shares this challenge. Its products are made from renewable materials, mainly sourced, manufactured, and recycled in Europe, with European technology. The pulp and paper industry is already helping other sectors move away from fossil carbon. Beyond the single market, as the Commission pointed out, abundant and affordable clean energy is an essential condition in preserving global competitiveness. The models show that the industry is expected to face the largest increase in total energy costs relative to other sectors in the coming years, and the ability of networks to accommodate the electrification of many activities has now become an emergency. As the paper concludes, the predictability of decarbonization investments is an essential condition. Eurostat data showed that investment in the pulp and paper sector alone is currently five times higher than the EU manufacturing average. By 2040, energy-intensive industries are expected to increase their investment sevenfold. To achieve these levels of investment, the top priority must be to encourage investment in “made in Europe” industries. This can be achieved through an industrial policy framework that will foster an overall investment-friendly environment. We shall see what will happen next!
Published on 25/04/2024