OREANDA-NEWS. February 18, 2011. By implementing the Energy Saving Programme, Uralkali managed to save about 64 million roubles in 2010. It was achieved by using automated system of electricity billing and entering the wholesale energy market. These measures, however, are only some taken as a part of the Uralkali Energy Saving Programme.

In 2010, the installation of 160 compensating devices by the Uralkali mines produced an impressive energy conservation effect of 4,017 MW/h. These devices provide the possibility to reduce cable and transformer loads and eliminate distribution network and voltage losses. Furthermore, the energy conserved in 2010 would have been sufficient to supply electricity to 11 bearing-wall buildings.

Currently, Uralkali is taking preparatory measures to renew its plants' lighting systems and its mines' finished product conveyor systems. Under this project, the existing lighting fixtures will be replaced by modern energy-efficient ones.

Mine 4 is reconstructing its shaft heating systems by replacing the obsolete hot-water calorifers, whose operation causes considerable heat losses, by gas-fired ones characterized by higher fuel efficiency and enhanced reliability.

The largest project to be put in practice as part of the Energy Saving Programme is the Power Generation Programme. Uralkali aims to have its own power supply and reduce dependence on external power supply. Mine 4 has already installed four Siemens-made 12.9-MW gas turbine plants. It is planned to connect the GTPP to the Permenergo networks in 2011.

Andrey Aleksandrov, Uralkali Deputy Technical Director:

Uralkali makes specific efforts to reduce energy costs of MOP production costs. We plan to increase our MOP production capacity from 5.5 to 7 million tonnes in 2012. Therefore, it is among our strategic objectives to implement the Energy Saving Programme. The implementation will enable us to save more than 65 thousand kWh of electricity and 102 thousand Gcal annually. Our Combination with Silvinit will deliver significant synergies in terms of common approach to energy rationing and metering, common energy management system, as well as reduction of electricity and capacity costs due to lower prices resulting from our operation in the wholesale market.