NLMK Group (LSE: NLMK), Russia’s top steel-producing company and one of the most efficient steel companies in the world, has summarized the preliminary results of its year-long lighting modernization project across its Russian sites, which was undertaken in conjunction with Philips.

Energy-saving solutions provided a 60% reduction in energy consumed for lighting; resulting in an ongoing annual saving of almost 500 million rubles. Annual energy consumption at Novolipetsk alone went down by 15 MW, which is equal to 375 million rubles per year.

The project involved the modernization of lighting systems at Novolipetsk (2010-2011), Stoilensky, NSMMZ, Altai-Koks, Dolomit and Stagdok (2012-2014), NLMK Metalware and VIZ-Steel (2015).

Since the project began in 2010, investment in the project stands at 636 million rubles.

Obsolete light fittings were replaced by highly efficient modern lighting which provides high luminescent performance and optical system efficiency; as well as improved environmental friendliness and fixture lifespan. Philips solutions were used for both general overhead illumination and for local workplace lighting which has special brightness, surge and colour rendering requirements.

Alexander Starchenko, NLMK Vice President for Energy, said: ‘Increasing the efficiency of production processes is a strategic goal for NLMK Group. Modern technologies are needed to achieve this; and lighting is no exception. We have been working on a project to upgrade lighting systems across the Group’s Russian sites since 2010. We have since achieved a decrease in energy consumptionof over 21 MW, which is comparable to the power consumption of two residential districts.’

About NLMK Group

NLMK Group is the largest steelmaker in Russia and one of the most efficient in the world. NLMK’s metal products are used in various industries, from construction and engineering to the manufacture of power-generating equipment and offshore wind turbines.

NLMK's production assets are located in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The Company’s liquid steel production capacity is over 17 million tonnes per year, of which about 16 million tonnes are produced in Russia.

NLMK has the most competitive cash cost among global manufacturers; and one of the highest profitability levels in the sector. The company generated $4.4 billion in revenue; $1.1 billion in EBITDA; and a net profit of $491 million in H1 2015.

NLMK’s ordinary shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MICEX-RTS, ticker symbol: NLMK), and its global depositary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: NLMK:LI). For more information about NLMK Group, please visit www.nlmk.com