As industries across Europe aim to decarbonize and improve energy efficiency, drying processes—particularly in pulp and paper, nonwovens, and wood products—are under increased scrutiny. SteamDry’s latest deliverable, D3.1: Vision Roadmap of SSD Transition, outlines a clear and actionable plan to transform drying technology using superheated steam drying (SSD).
This roadmap is more than a technical document. It’s a long-term strategy that addresses energy efficiency, carbon reduction, system integration, and commercial scalability.
Why Superheated Steam Drying?
Traditional dryers rely on steam-heated contact surfaces or convective hot air—methods that consume vast amounts of energy and emit significant CO₂. SSD introduces a step change by:
- Circulating and reheating steam in a closed loop, minimizing net energy use.
- Enabling heat recovery from excess steam for use elsewhere on site.
- Delivering faster, more uniform drying with improved product quality.
- Supporting advanced digital monitoring and control through AI-based platforms.
From Lab to Industry: The Roadmap
The SSD roadmap spans from 2024 through the early 2030s, progressing through several phases:
- Laboratory Research (2024–2025): Focus on steam purification, sealing methods, product quality analysis, and early piloting.
- Pilot Projects (2025–2026): Pilot dryer development and real-world trials at VTT.
- Demonstration Phase (2027–2029): Larger-scale trials with industrial partners.
- Flagship Deployments (2030 onward): Commercial-scale SSD integration in existing and new drying systems.
The roadmap was shaped through collaborative workshops with project partners, blending technical foresight with practical industrial insight.
Five Core Focus Areas
To guide development, the consortium has defined five strategic focus areas:
- Dryer Unit Design: Compact, modular, and sealed for safe and efficient steam use.
- Process Integration: Smart recovery and reuse of steam energy.
- Steam Purification: Clean and stable operation in bio-based environments.
- Sealing Technologies: Preventing air leaks to maintain pressure and safety.
- Product Quality: Maintaining or improving performance across end uses.
Energy and Environmental Impact
Drying accounts for up to 80% of the energy demand in papermaking. In total, drying energy use in Europe is estimated at:
- 400 PJ/year for paper and board
- 1.4–2.2 PJ/year for nonwovens
- 70–140 PJ/year for wood drying
By replacing legacy drying systems with SSD, the potential for energy savings and emissions reduction is substantial—supporting both climate goals and long-term industrial competitiveness.
What Comes Next?
As SteamDry moves into the pilot phase in 2025, the groundwork laid in this roadmap will inform key decisions, technology selections, and industrial partnerships. The long-term vision is clear: a transition to SSD that delivers measurable benefits in energy efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
To learn more, download the full roadmap or explore related project updates on our site.