Jordal et al. (2026): Potential and Challenges for CDR in the European pulp and paper sector

Kristin Jordal, Rahul Anantharaman, Michaël Becidan, Simon Harvey, Rubén M. Montañés, Elin Svensson, Ugo Sirtori, Chiara Spampinato, Conny Johansson, IN: Frontiers in Climate

The European pulp and paper sector has an estimated potential for large-scale, permanent Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) of 50 Mtpa, through the implementation of CO₂ capture and storage (CCS). CCS has been explored for this sector in literature, but results are limited compared to many other sectors and show substantial variability in costs and performance across mill types, operating conditions and locations. Several assessments highlight large kraft pulp mills in Northern Europe as among the most cost-effective opportunities. However, the characteristics of pulp mill black liquor recovery boiler flue gases raise concerns regarding the interaction with CO₂ capture, due to elevated levels of alkali species, sulfur compounds, chlorides, trace metals and other constituents.

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