CO₂ emissions reduced by 25,000 tonnes
Another benefit of the connection is increased reliability in the Ursviken and Skelleftehamn networks in the event of unexpected disruptions. The additional availability of waste heat from Boliden Rönnskär also makes it possible to replace the use of peat at the bioenergy plant at Hedensbyn. This results in a reduction of CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to around 1,300 round-the-world flights.
“The project ensures a smaller carbon footprint, while also benefiting our district heating customers. That’s the beauty of Ecolink – everyone wins,” says Ulf Hedqvist, Head of Heat at Skellefteå Kraft.
Circular flows enable the green transition
Of the total SEK 400 million investment in Ecolink, 150 million was funded through Klimatklivet – a national investment program for local and regional climate initiatives. Just like us at Boliden, Skellefteå Kraft is driven by the conviction that the green transition is accelerated by creating circular flows – where the surplus from one industry becomes a valuable resource for another. And they’re equally convinced that cross-organizational and cross-industry partnerships are key to making it happen.
“In our operations, we’re now putting much more focus on recovering as much heat as possible. For example, we’ll be capturing heat from cooling processes in our new electrolytic plant. And we have a long list of opportunities for further recovery – in which we’ll continue our strong collaboration with Skellefteå Kraft,” says Linn Andersson.
