302–1 Energy consumption within the organization
Energy consumption in 2020 totaled 20.3 (18.9) million giga- joules (GJ). Electricity accounts for 16.7 (16.1) million GJ of this consumption, which equates to 4.6 (4.5) TWh.
The reported energy usage is based on invoiced incoming and outgoing deliveries, supplemented by internal measurements and stock inventories at the end of the year. Conversions between weight and energy have been performed using energy values specified by the supplier or by using tabled values provided by national bodies.
Coke, coal, oil, and fuel gases are used for the reduction and smelting of copper, lead and zinc concentrates. Diesel is used for transportation purposes, in mining operations, and for internal transportation. Limited amounts of heating oil and gas are used for heating purposes during the cold season. The use of biofuels in metallurgical processes has been tested and evaluated. Bio-based fuels have also, to a limited extent, been used in road transport. Electricity is the dominant source of indirect energy in the Group.
Energy consumption within the organization (GJ) |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Direct energy | |||
Coal & coke |
2,053,000 |
1,814,000 |
1,788,000 |
Gas |
306,000 |
306,000 |
315,000 |
Oil |
2,285,000 |
2,000,000 |
1,720,000 |
Diesel & petrol |
1,666,000 |
1,568,000 |
1,528,000 |
Wood chips |
49,000 |
67,000 |
118,000 |
Total direct energy |
6,359,000 |
5,754,000 |
5,468,000 |
Whereof non-renewables1) |
69,000 |
89,000 |
365,000 |
Indirect energy | |||
Electricity, purchased |
16,156,000 |
16,055,000 |
16,727,000 |
Heat&steam, purchased |
1,100,000 |
128,000 |
1,170,00 |
Total indirect energy |
17,256,000 |
16,183,000 |
17,897,000 |
Total energy input |
23,614,000 |
21,937,000 |
23,365,000 |
Produced energy, for internal use |
2,380,0002) |
4,700,000 |
2,703,000 |
Produced energy, sold |
3,964,000 |
3,054,000 |
3,062,000 |
Total energy consumption |
19,650,000 |
18,884,000 |
20,304,000 |
1) Wood chips and biodiesel.
2) Corrected calculations.
302–3 Energy intensity
Boliden’s energy intensity was 13.74 (13.21) GJ/metric ton metal, showing an increase in energy usage from the previous year, mainly from indirect energy. The energy intensity ratio is reported as the product intensity (energy consumed per unit produced). It is calculated as Boliden’s net total energy consumption (the same as in GRI 302-1) for all Boliden sites, divided by the production output in metal metric tons from Boliden’s production sites. This indicator is affected both by process efficiency and by the product mix and raw material properties.
GJ/t metal
302–4 Reduction of energy consumption
Due to the different character of mining and smelting operations, Boliden has chosen to to work with local energy targets, rather than Group targets.
Boliden’s smelting operations strive to take advantage of excess heat from the processes, either transforming it to electric power or supplying it for use in external district heating. In 2020, 2,703,000 (4,700,000) GJ of heat was used internally, and 3,062,000 (3,054,000) GJ was delivered externally for use in district heating systems.
To drive improvements, an energy network was established in 2019 in order to exchange experience on energy efficiency projects between the units.
At Boliden Rönnskär, heat recovery has been used and further developed to increase energy efficiency for several decades:
Year |
Improvement |
1980s |
Boliden Rönnskär started to focus more on heat recovery when the price of oil soared due to the oil crisis, by building the district heating network. |
2005 |
The project ECOEL delivered an expansion of the district heating network to increase the recovery of steam. |
2010s |
To recover more heat from e-material a steam accumulator was added when building the E-Kaldo plant. |
2019/2020 |
The heat recovery from sulfuric acid plant was increased via air batteries. |
2019 |
The steam and district heating network was reducing the need for energy for the Rönnskär Smelter significantly, corresponding to a yearly reduction of 170,000 ton of CO2 emission (assumption: replacing oil as energy source). |