In 2023, the fossil energy final consumption in the UK's paper, pulp, and printing sectors stood at 6.35 thousand gigawatthours. As we move into the forecast period from 2024 to 2028, a consistent downward trend is expected, with an average year-on-year decline of 15% in consumption. By 2028, consumption is projected to decrease to 2.4 thousand gigawatthours, signifying a 62% reduction compared to 2023. These figures reflect a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -19% over the five-year forecast period. This substantial decrease aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
Future trends to watch for:
- Adoption of alternative, renewable energy sources within the sector.
- Technological advancements in energy efficiency driving further reductions.
- Regulatory changes targeting emissions and energy use mitigation.
- Shifts in industry demand owing to digitalization and evolving market needs.