"It's great that the community can benefit from the surplus heat our production generates, instead of it going to waste," says Linn Andersson.
The connection of the district heating networks was celebrated on Monday at Rönnskär, with Skellefteå Kraft CEO Joachim Nordin and Boliden Rönnskär site manager Linn Andersson leading the ceremony.
– This is a truly special day, and we're thrilled to be part of this solution, which marks a new era for district heating, says Nordin.
– This project has been a model of efficiency and quality, delivered on time, within budget, and exceeding expectations, adds Andersson.
The 13-kilometer connection, costing just over 400 million kronor, is a collaboration between Skellefteå Kraft and Boliden, with Klimatklivet contributing roughly half the cost.
The culvert linking the two networks runs between Hedensbyn and Ursviken. A new pump station has been built and a district heating culvert in Skelleftehamn reinforced to support the connection.
Boliden has also invested in reinforcing culverts within Rönnskär, installing a significantly larger accumulator tank, and building a new distribution centre. Heat deliveries began on December 20.
– And they have worked extremely well, says Nordin.
Since the late 1980s, waste heat from operations at Boliden Rönnskär in Skelleftehamn has been used to heat homes in Skelleftehamn and Ursviken.
– In January, Boliden Rönnskär delivered more than double the contracted heat, notes Daniel Byström, heating plant strategy manager at Skellefteå Kraft. The additional waste heat from Boliden Rönnskär now entering the district heating network provides 108,000 MWh, enough to replace the peat burned at Hedensbyn's combined heat and power plant.
This energy boost is sufficient for 5,000 homes and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 26,500 tons annually, equivalent to the emissions from over 1,300 round-the-world flights.
Since the late 1980s, waste heat from Boliden Rönnskär's operations in Skelleftehamn has been used to heat homes in Skelleftehamn and Ursviken. However, at certain times of the year, the local district heating network has lacked the capacity to receive more energy. For example, during last winter's extreme cold, it was almost impossible to deliver district heating to everyone.
"This is a truly special day, and we are very happy to have been part of the solution, which can almost be described as a renaissance for district heating," says Joachim Nordin.
– It's great that the community can benefit from the surplus heat our production generates, instead of it going to waste, says Andersson. Boliden Rönnskär is now focusing on maximising heat extraction. For example, they will recycle heat from cooling the baths in their new electrolysis plant.
– We also have many opportunities for further heat recovery, and we'll continue our excellent collaboration with Skellefteå Kraft on this, explains Andersson
The culvert connecting the two networks runs between Hedensbyn and Ursviken.
She further points out that the new system ensures no oil burning will be necessary during operational disturbances.
Nordin sees the project, which began in 2022, as a sign of the increasing importance of cross-industry circularity.
– Ecolink provides a tangible example of how waste streams from existing industries can be used to advance both industrial transformation and the local community's heating needs, he says.
Daniel Byström, facility strategist for heating at Skellefteå Kraft, is very pleased with the work on the project.
The project is also linked to initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity. Examples include replanting trees, creating "insect hotels," and installing birdhouses.
Nordin notes that it is only in Sweden and Finland where district heating networks are fully developed. In many other places, heating is instead provided by gas.
– Many other countries envy us, says Joachim.
Joachim Nordin and Linn Andersson are congratulated by Evelina Fahlesson and Kristina Jonsson Sundin from Skellefteå municipality.
He believes the increased capacity in the district heating networks, thanks to Ecolink, could significantly impact future industrial development in Skellefteå.
– The fight against climate change and ensuring secure, affordable, and sustainable energy in the EU is a shared goal. Northern Sweden is a key region for Europe's green transition. Therefore, it makes sense that EU funds are supporting the green transition there, comments Annika Wäppling Korzinek, head of the European Commission's representation in Sweden, in a press release.