Austria’s Salzburg News reported on March 24 that Austria’s paper industry is being greatly affected by the sharp rise in energy prices.

Mayer, CEO of Heinzel group and chairman of the Austrian Paper Industry Association, said at an online press conference held on March 23 that the paper industry is an energy intensive enterprise, and the current payment of electricity and natural gas is ten times that of last year. Although the proportion of renewable energy has reached 60%, the paper industry still relies heavily on natural gas, and the backup options are limited, such as biogas. However, it is technically impossible to replace natural gas with other fuels in the short term.

In addition, paper-making enterprises usually provide thermal energy for buildings in surrounding areas. If they stop production due to the problem of natural gas supply, it will affect not only people’s daily life and office paper, but also a large number of relevant jobs and home heating.