NATUS Electric Full-Process Intelligent Power Distribution Solution for the Pulp & Paper Industry
As the pulp and paper industry enters a critical transformation period toward large-scale production,high operational continuity,and net-zero emissions,the absolute reliability and full-lifecycle safety of power distribution systems have become core factors determining the overall competitiveness of production lines.
As a globally leading safety power distribution expert,NATUS Electric combines German century-old craftsmanship with agile localized services to address the demanding operating conditions of the pulp and paper industry,including high humidity,high temperature,and heavy dust.With the ENERGON Intelligent Low-Voltage Switchgear System and MES & NXT Medium-Voltage Switchgear series at its core,NATUS provides an industry-specific solution.We do not only provide power for equipment,but also build a solid protection barrier for continuous production and personnel safety throughout the enterprise.
1.Industry Challenges and NATUS Value Proposition
Industry Challenges
Strict requirements for continuous production: One hour of paper machine downtime may result in economic losses of hundreds of thousands or even millions of RMB,making power supply continuity critical.
Complex electrical environments: Variable-frequency drives and motors are extensively used in stock preparation,papermaking,sizing,and other processes.Severe harmonic pollution creates significant challenges for the service life of electrical components.
Extremely high safety risks: Frequent electrical inspection and maintenance activities mean that an internal arc fault could pose a direct threat to the lives of operating personnel.
Multiple voltage levels and distribution layers: From 10kV/35kV medium-voltage incoming feeders to low-voltage MCCs,power distribution cabinets,and busway systems,the electrical system is complex and difficult to coordinate.
NATUS Value Proposition
We provide an integrated solution combining German technology + local manufacturing + a complete product portfolio.From physical structural safety,including arc resistance and electric shock protection,to intelligent operation and maintenance through digital monitoring,NATUS helps ensure that pulp and paper production lines maintain extremely high reliability even under the harshest operating conditions.
2.Core Product Portfolio
NATUS has developed a complete product matrix for the pulp and paper industry covering the entire power distribution chain from medium-voltage incoming power → low-voltage distribution → motor control → power distribution → busway transmission.
| Product Series | Core Models | Key Value for the Pulp & Paper Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-Voltage AIS Switchgear | NES Series | All-condition operation,pollution resistance,and long service life,suitable for main transformers,workshop transformers,substations,and other projects. |
| Medium-Voltage Gas-Insulated Switchgear GIS | NXT Series | Extremely compact,adaptable to all operating conditions,and suitable for green grid integration.Using SF₆ gas insulation,the system completely isolates the equipment from high humidity and corrosive dust in pulp mills,enabling maintenance-free operation.The modular design saves approximately 70% of installation space.It supports both island and large-grid dual-mode grid connection,making it highly suitable for large pulp and paper bases equipped with captive power plants. |
| Low-Voltage Intelligent MCC Switchgear | ENERGON Series | ARCSAFE arc resistance + DTS dynamic sliding transmission for intrinsic safety.Modular and hot-swappable design,suitable for frequent maintenance scenarios in paper machines and pulp production lines. |
| Power Distribution Cabinet | EZ-POWER | Compact,flexible,and highly protected,suitable for auxiliary workshops. |
| Busway System | POWER-LINE | High protection,low impedance,and resistance to humidity and heat,suitable for long-distance high-current transmission. |
| Intelligent Monitoring System | Power SCADA + Communication Components | Remote measurement,remote signaling,remote control,and remote adjustment for unmanned operation and monitoring. |
3.Typical Configuration Solutions
Solution 1: Stock Preparation and Papermaking Workshop
Machine Description: Paper machines have numerous drive points and operate continuously at high speed for long periods,creating extremely high requirements for the stability of variable-frequency drives and the power supply network.Pulp leakage and corrosive gases may also be present.
NATUS Solution:
Main incoming switchgear: NES & NXT medium-voltage switchgear + ENERGON low-voltage incoming switchgear,configured with temperature-rise monitoring.
MCC withdrawable cabinet: DTS withdrawable units designed for high current applications,with optimized heat dissipation.The ARCSAFE system confines arc energy within the busbar compartment in the event of an internal fault.
Core Highlights: The complete series has passed CCC and TTA full type-test certification.The cabinet enclosure receives salt-spray-resistant coating treatment to adapt to hot and humid environments.
Project Reference: Liansheng Pulp & Paper 3.9 million-ton project: PM4 paper machine production line,302 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Project Reference: Nine Dragons Paper Hubei PM57:521 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Project Reference: Asia Symbol Rugao BM13:853 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Solution 2: Pulp & Paper Environmental Protection Systems
Machine Description: Chemical preparation and wastewater treatment systems operate in highly corrosive environments containing acidic and alkaline gases.Loads mainly consist of fans and water pumps with frequent starting and stopping.
NATUS Solution:
Anti-corrosion treatment: The cabinet enclosure uses high-strength aluminum-zinc coated steel sheets and a special coating process,achieving a 720-hour salt spray test.
Safety interlocking: The DTS mechanical interlocking system ensures that withdrawable units can only be removed when the circuit breaker is in the open position,preventing load switching during withdrawal.
Project Reference: Liansheng Pulp & Paper water treatment project:108 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Project Reference: Guangxi Sun Paper alkali recovery project:17 NES MV high-voltage cabinets + 90 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Solution 3: Cogeneration Power Plant and Alkali Recovery Workshop
Machine Description: High temperature,high humidity,and heavy dust are present,while extremely high power supply reliability is required.Loads mainly consist of large fans,pumps,and motors.
NATUS Solution:
Medium-voltage protection: NES MV high-voltage switchgear equipped with vacuum circuit breakers,with a mechanical life of up to 30,000 operations.
Low-voltage MCC: ENERGON supports hot swapping,enabling maintenance without interrupting operation.
Project Reference: Nanning Sun Paper Alkali Recovery Phase II:333 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
Project Reference: Nine Dragons Paper Hubei thermal power main plant:103 ENERGON low-voltage cabinets.
4.Product Highlights and Technical Innovation
Compared with traditional power distribution solutions,the NATUS ENERGON Series builds on the advantages of compactness,safety,and easy maintenance while delivering key upgrades for the pulp and paper industry.
Highlight One: Ultimate Intrinsic Safety — ARCSAFE Arc-Resistant Technology
When the withdrawable unit is removed,the vertical busbar is completely shielded and insulated by the safety door.
Even when maintenance personnel perform inspection and maintenance in a pulp and dust environment,the risk of electric shock is minimized.
Comparative Advantage: One of the few cabinet designs in the industry adopting a U-shaped π-type busbar structure and safety door design.
Highlight Three: Full-Process Digital Readiness
Supports CAx drawing downloads and EPLAN macro file import,significantly improving the efficiency of electrical design and engineering drawing preparation.
Intelligent components can be seamlessly connected to upper-level energy management systems,enabling millisecond-level fault location and early warning.
Highlight Four: Higher Energy Efficiency and Longer Service Life
Contactor coil power consumption is as low as 4.2 VA,saving more than 40% energy compared with conventional products.
Mechanical life can reach up to 1 million operations,while electrical life ranges from 250,000 to 1 million operations,depending on the current rating.
Complete Certification Support: CCC and CE certifications support export projects and high-end domestic projects.
5.Benchmark Projects and Performance References
NATUS Electric's solutions have been extensively validated by leading pulp and paper groups across the Asia-Pacific region.The following are key projects with more than 100 units supplied in a single project during the past five years.
I.Low-Voltage Intelligent Switchgear — ENERGON Series Pulp & Paper Projects with ≥100 Units
| No. | Customer | Project | Product | Quantity | Year | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | 3.9 Million-Ton Integrated Forestry,Pulp and Paper Project — White Cardboard & Chemical Mechanical Pulp Phase II | ENERGON | 1132 | 2024 | One of the largest single low-voltage cabinet projects in China's paper industry |
| 2 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | 3.9 Million-Ton Integrated Forestry,Pulp and Paper Project — Chemical Pulp Project | ENERGON + MNS_nt | 962 | 2023 | Main chemical pulp workshop |
| 3 | Asia Symbol (Jiangsu) Pulp & Paper Co.,Ltd. | Asia Symbol Rugao BM13 Low-Voltage MCC | ENERGON | 853 | 2022 | Complete-line MCC |
| 4 | Jiangsu Bohui Paper Co.,Ltd. | PM4 Project | ENERGON | 777 | 2018 | Early benchmark project |
| 5 | PT INDAH KIAT PULP & PAPER TBK. | IKK SMART MCC BM1 Project | ENERGON | 646 | 2024 | Indonesia APP project |
| 6 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | PM57 1.2 Million-Ton White Cardboard Project | ENERGON | 521 | 2024 | Supporting the world's largest white cardboard machine |
| 7 | Guangxi Sun Paper Co.,Ltd. | 3.5 Million-Ton Integrated Forestry,Pulp and Paper Project | ENERGON | 394 | 2021 | Benchmark project at the Guangxi base |
| 8 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | PM3 Cultural Paper Project | ENERGON | 373 | 2022 | Complete-line cultural paper project |
| 9 | Nine Dragons Paper (Dongguan) | Nine Dragons Paper Dongguan Pulp Line Project | ENERGON | 370 | 2021 | Dongguan pulp line |
| 10 | Nine Dragons Paper (Chongqing) | Nine Dragons Paper Chongqing Pulp Line Project | ENERGON | 390 | 2021 | Chongqing pulp line |
| 11 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | TM5-TM12 Low-Voltage Switchgear Project | ENERGON | 333 | 2024 | Tissue paper complete line |
| 12 | Nanning Sun Paper Co.,Ltd. | Sun Beihai Alkali Recovery Phase II Low-Voltage Cabinet | ENERGON | 333 | 2025 | Alkali recovery workshop |
| 13 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Semi-Chemical Pulp,Chemical Pulp,Causticizing Lime Kiln,Burning,Evaporation and Pulp Line Project | ENERGON | 262 | 2022 | Complete pulp line process |
| 14 | Nine Dragons Paper (Chongqing) Co.,Ltd. | Chongqing Semi-Chemical Pulp Line Causticizing,Evaporation and Burning Sections | ENERGON | 270 | 2021 | Including 263+7 units |
| 15 | Nine Dragons Paper (Dongguan) Co.,Ltd. | Dongguan Semi-Chemical Pulp Line Washing,Evaporation and Other Sections | ENERGON | 229 | 2021 | Pulp line upgrade |
| 16 | Nine Dragons Paper (Beihai) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Beihai Wastewater Pulp Line + White Paper Low-Voltage MCC Cabinet Project | MNS_nt | 202 | 2023 | Beihai base |
| 17 | Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp & Paper Co.,Ltd. | Asia Symbol Rizhao RB11R Project | ENERGON | 176 | 2022 | Alkali recovery and pulp line |
| 18 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Hubei Pulp Line Three-Box Project | ENERGON | 157 | 2022 | Pulp line supporting system |
| 19 | SEDAL (China) Fiber Co.,Ltd. | Jiujiang SEDAL TM21-24 Low-Voltage MCC Project | ENERGON | 160 | 2022 | Cellulosic fiber |
| 20 | Nine Dragons Paper (Dongguan) Co.,Ltd. | Dongguan Chemical Mechanical Pulp Project | ENERGON | 147 | 2021 | Chemical mechanical pulp |
| 21 | Nine Dragons Paper (Chongqing) Co.,Ltd. | Chongqing Chemical Mechanical Pulp Project | ENERGON | 127 | 2021 | Chemical mechanical pulp |
| 22 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | 5.6 Million-Ton Integrated Forestry,Pulp and Paper Project — Water Treatment Phase II | ENERGON | 108 | 2026 | Benchmark water treatment project |
| 23 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Hubei Chemical Zone Project | ENERGON | 109 | 2024 | Chemical zone supporting system |
| 24 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Hubei Power Plant Low-Voltage Cabinet Project — Thermal Power Main Plant | MNS_nt | 103 | 2021 | Thermal power plant |
| 25 | Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Hubei Hydrogen Peroxide Project | ENERGON | 29 | 2025 | Hydrogen peroxide workshop,close to 30 units |
The above projects represent more than 9,000 low-voltage switchgear cabinets deployed at scale across the pulp and paper industry.
II.Medium-Voltage Switchgear — NES Series Major Pulp & Paper Projects
| No. | Customer | Project | Quantity | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | 1.66 Million-Ton Bleached Kraft Pulp Engineering Project | 189 | 2023 |
| 2 | Zhejiang Dushan Energy Co.,Ltd. | Dushan Energy PTA Phase III & IV 10kV Utility Project,including paper industry supporting facilities | 189 | 2024 |
| 3 | Nine Dragons Paper (Taicang) Co.,Ltd. | Nine Dragons Taicang Base Thermal Power High-Voltage Switchgear | 74 | 2025 |
| 4 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | Liansheng Project Substation Project | 72 | 2025 |
| 5 | Nanning Sun Paper Co.,Ltd. | Phase II Alkali Recovery Project | 70 | 2025 |
| 6 | Shandong Sun Paper Industry Joint Stock Co.,Ltd. | Specialty Paper PM43 Project | 59 | 2025 |
| 7 | Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | 3.9 Million-Ton Integrated Forestry,Pulp and Paper Project — PM4P Cultural Paper Engineering and Central Compressed Air Station | 50 | 2025 |
III.Overseas Benchmark Project: Indonesia APP IKK Three Major Paper Machine Projects
Customer: PT INDAH KIAT PULP & PAPER TBK.(APP Group)
Project: IKK SMART MCC (BM1 / PM3 / OCC)
Total Supply:1,108 ENERGON low-voltage intelligent switchgear cabinets
Highlights:
Successful first-time energization,followed by successful paper production from the three paper machines.
NATUS overseas commissioning team members,including Zhang Liyong,Zhang Chong,Wei Qing,and Zhu Chengbing,were stationed on site for nearly one year.
The project fully validated NATUS's complete capabilities in international delivery,on-site commissioning,and after-sales service.
IV.Typical Pulp & Paper Busway Projects — POWER-LINE Series
| Customer | Project | Quantity | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaanxi Power Generation Group Dongfang Smart Energy Co.,Ltd. | PM1 & PM2 Kraft Paper Project | 412 m | 2023 |
| Liansheng Pulp & Paper (Zhangzhou) Co.,Ltd. | PM2 White Cardboard MCC | 360 m | 2024 |
| Nine Dragons Paper (Hubei) Co.,Ltd. | Hubei PM57 Project | 278 m | 2024 |
| Guangxi Sun Paper Co.,Ltd. | Guangxi Beihai Natural Cellulose Project | 217 m | 2024 |
6.Full-Lifecycle Services
Design Stage: Electrical drawing optimization,3D models,EPLAN macro files,and seismic calculations.
Commissioning Stage: An experienced international project team with overseas project experience,including the Indonesia IKK and Liansheng project teams,provides on-site support to ensure successful startup.
Operation & Maintenance Stage: Spare parts supply,retrofit of aging equipment,and thermal imaging inspection services.
Certification Support: CCC,CE,UL,CSA,KEMA,and other certifications can be provided to support equipment export.
7.Conclusion
In the pulp and paper industry,every fluctuation in the power supply can potentially result in significant production losses.With German engineering craftsmanship + a complete product portfolio + large-scale validation by leading paper companies,NATUS Electric provides intelligent power distribution solutions designed around the specific requirements of the pulp and paper industry.
Whether you are building a new ultra-large paper machine,upgrading an aging production line,or developing an overseas pulp and paper production base,NATUS is your trusted Safety Power Distribution Expert.
