With the modifications to the heating systems, the heating systems of the two fresh air shafts at the Kemi chromite mine will be converted to electric, which will help Outokumpu achieve its goal of making the mine carbon neutral by the end of 2025. The project has received investment support of over 1.3 million euros from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
EPV Energy’s subsidiary Tornion Voima has been selected to convert the heating systems of the two fresh air shafts at Outokumpu’s Kemi chromite mine from propane to electric. The design and manufacturing work for the new heating systems began last autumn, and the heating systems will be ready for commissioning in September 2025. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has granted the project NextGenerationEU funding of 1,374,945 euros.
The commissioning of the heating systems will replace approximately 17,200 MWh of propane-based energy consumption annually. The project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4,000 tons per year.
Outokumpu’s goal is to make the production at the Kemi mine carbon neutral by the end of 2025. The new heating systems significantly support the achievement of this goal. Aki Hakulinen, Managing Director of Tornion Voima, says the project represents a continuation of previous projects in which Tornion Voima has been involved in reducing the mine’s carbon footprint.
“The project is of great importance to us. It is wonderful that Outokumpu has wanted Tornion Voima to be part of the project, which at the same time expands our previous cooperation. With the investment, Tornion Voima will in the future manage the entire heating system of the Kemi mine,” says Hakulinen.
The Swedish company EOL Vent has been selected as the supplier of the heating systems. The heating systems are used to heat the air blown into the mine during cold weather to prevent ice from forming in the fresh air shaft.
The heating is implemented with electric resistors, which are placed in the air intake area before the fans, replacing the current propane burners and systems. The electric resistors are automatically adjusted on and off as needed, controlled by the temperature of the air blown into the mine. The combined electrical power of the two systems is approximately 16 MW.
“In addition to the emission-free technology, another advantage of the new heating systems is that they can also be utilized in the electricity market,” mentions Hakulinen.
For more information contact: Aki Hakulinen, Managing Director of Tornion Voima, 050 3862602