Uralkali (Berezniki, Perm Territory) is beginning to implement a program aimed at reducing its consumption of various types of energy. The program will be carried out in 2009–2011 and will allow the company to save more than 65 million kWh of electricity and 102 thousand Gcal of heat per year. Uralkali will invest about 600 million roubles in the program implementation. The approximate payback period is 5.5 years.

The energy saving program is based on the results of the energy audit conducted at the company from July 2007 to August 2008 by Uralkali experts together with Saint Petersburg-based GCE Energy. The experts examined the aboveground mine facilities, prepared and approved the company’s energy certificate and advised on measures to substantially reduce the consumption of all types of energy. The program consists of several dozen energy saving measures. The program implementation will involve the modernization of hundreds of the company’s energy facilities.

One of the key energy saving measures is to use compensators designed to reduce loads of cable and transformer systems, improve the performance efficiency of power units, and make electricity supply more reliable. Additionally, the company will make more extensive use of motor soft starters and variable-frequency drives. They will provide the optimum rotational speed for electrical machines and ensure that equipment will operate in an economical manner. These technologies are especially effective if applied to conveyors of plants and mines, pumps and ventilators operating with alternating loads. It is also planned to put into operation a mine reventilation system.

The company intends to reduce heat consumption through more automation of its energy metering system and through measures aimed at enhancing the efficient performance of its equipment and technologies. The program includes the rehabilitation of the heating system for mine shafts. The experts propose that gas-fired air heaters be used for this purpose. They do not require high maintenance costs, are fire-retardant, have highly efficient fuel consumption and are easily installed. In addition, it is planned to use diesel fuel as reserve fuel instead of fuel oil.

Sergey Diakov, Deputy General Director, Uralkali:

“Energy expenses account for up to twenty percent of MOP production costs. The company’s intention is to reduce these expenses and production costs. The implementation of the energy saving program will be one of the cornerstones in achieving Uralkali’s strategic goals.”