EDP and Paper Prime have launched in Portugal an innovative project for the electrification of industrial heat with the installation of a 2.7 megawatt (MW) electric boiler at the Paper Prime factory located in Vila Velha de Rodão.
With this technology, the use of natural gas is partially replaced by electricity in the generation of the steam essential for productive activity, which drives the decarbonization of one of the elements with the highest energy consumption in the paper industry, as noted by EDP.
Paper Prime manufactures and sells more than 33,000 tons of tissue paper each year for both the Portuguese market and abroad. The plant operates continuously, 24 hours a day, with a constant demand for steam, so the production of heat is a key factor in ensuring the continuity of the process.
When the electric boiler comes into operation, Paper Prime accesses a competitive energy cost compared to natural gas. This ability to choose reduces exposure to the volatility of energy markets and facilitates taking advantage of periods when electricity is more advantageous, while maintaining the safety and continuity of industrial operation.
In the first half of 2026, the average price of electricity in the Iberian market was below that of natural gas for more than half of the time. Thanks to this, the plant was able to operate in steam generation around 50% of the time in fully electric mode.
The option to switch between both energy sources allows for adjusting operations to price fluctuations, combining economic savings with a smaller environmental footprint, the electric company emphasizes.
EDP markets this proposal through a "Heat-as-a-Service" model, whereby it assumes the initial investment, as well as the tasks of installation, operation, and maintenance of the electric boiler.
In this way, Paper Prime accesses a heat electrification solution without initial outlay, eliminating one of the main obstacles for the industry to adopt electrification technologies.
"The decarbonization of the industry is not achieved through a single solution, but through various technologies adapted to the needs and operational reality of each company. The production of heat remains one of the major challenges of the energy transition in the industry and, with Dual Heat, we offer a solution that allows for the progressive and flexible electrification of processes, reducing emissions without compromising operational continuity or the competitiveness of companies," stated the head of Client Solutions in Iberia for the EDP group, António Araújo.