Renewable energy
Holmen wholly or partly owns 21 hydro power stations located on the Umeälven, Faxälven, Gideälven, Iggesundsån, Ljusnan and Motala Ström rivers. Production in the hydro power plants totals around 1 100 GWh in a normal year. Combined with the company’s own back-pressure power production, this means that Holmen meets approximately 30 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable energy.
Over the next few years an investment will be made in wind power, creating a broader base for renewable energy production in the Group.
New hydro power plants
Holmen built a new and more efficient power plant on the Iggesundsån river in 2009 to replace three older ones. The power plant is designed on the basis of the environmental and cultural circumstances at the site of the old mill.
The Group is also exploring the possibility of making cautious use of undeveloped waterfall rights.
Environmental requirements
Holmen takes part in the endeavours of the energy sector to adapt and develop operations on the basis of the requirements set by the EU in the Water Framework Directive.
Holmen has also signed a declaration of intent, together with other energy companies, to meet the EU requirements adopted by Sweden relating to eel extinction. This work is undertaken in a joint project that entails measures costing around SEK 10 million being implemented over a 3-year period. SEK 4 million is also being invested in research projects, a sum that is matched by the Swedish Board of Fisheries.
From Holmen’s point of view, this may mean measures to prevent eel from passing through the turbines in the Motala Ström river.
Electricity certificates
Holmen receives electricity certificates from some of its hydro power plants, and these are sold to various other parties. The electricity certificates are a Swedish-Norwegian system. They are intended to promote the expansion of renewable energy. Another product that is sold is guarantees of origin. These are intended to promote renewable energy production and demonstrate the origin of the electricity. What is sold is the environmental value of electricity being produced from hydro power with a low CO2 impact.