Environmental protection is one of the main priorities of Russia’s chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The Arctic is warming two to three times faster than the global average. For this reason, Russia has made it a priority to combat climate change, adapt daily living activities and ensure resilience to its impact, support the health of Arctic ecosystems, preserve biodiversity in the Arctic, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. The Roscongress Foundation organizes the events of Russia’s chairmanship.
Norilsk Nickel plans to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions in the Norilsk industrial region by 95% by 2030 as part of the Sulphur Programme 2.0 comprehensive environmental initiative. The Polar Division of Norilsk Nickel plans to allocate up to USD 4.3 billion for the project.
Sulphur dioxide is one of the top air pollutants. Norilsk Nickel expects SO2 emissions at the Polar Division to decline by 45% after 2023 compared with 2015, and by 90% after 2025. The project, involves the utilization of sulphur dioxide, is being implemented in stages at the company’s two main smelters in the Norilsk industrial region.
“Norilsk Nickel invests substantial resources in reducing harmful emissions from its enterprises. A key part of these efforts involves implementing the Sulphur Programme, Norilsk Nickel’s biggest and most important environmental initiative. We are determined to complete this project on time,” said Sergey Dubovitsky, Norilsk Nickel Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy and Strategic Project Management, Logistics, and Resources.
At the Nadezhdinski Metallurgical Plant, Norilsk Nickel will utilize gases that have a high sulphur dioxide content and build facilities to neutralize sulfuric acid, including a gypsum storage facility and related infrastructure. The project is in the active phase of construction and installation work, and the first phase is expected to be completed in 2023.
Norilsk Nickel’s Copper Plant plans to implement a set of interrelated projects that aim to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from the plant’s sources. The plant is currently conducting design and survey work, selecting construction contractors, and carrying out preparatory work at the construction site.
Norilsk Nickel’s Kola Division is implementing the Sulphur Programme, as part of which emissions on the Kola Peninsula decreased by 85% by March 2021 due to the complete closure of a smelter in the settlement of Nikel located on the border with Norway and the closure of a smelter in Monchegorsk. This work has already made it possible to completely eliminate sulphur dioxide emissions in the transboundary area with Norway as well as significantly reduce the harmful environmental impact in Monchegorsk. The smelter in Nikel was closed in December 2020.
In March 2022, Norilsk Nickel confirmed its plans to implement the Sulphur Programme.
