Opcon and Skellefte Kraft collaborate on a new application of Opcon Powerbox technology for converting small heating plants into CHP-plants Opcon AB, the energy and environmental technology Group, has reached an agreement concerning a collaboration with Skellefte Kraft, one of Swedens largest producers of electricity, concerning a new application of Opcon Powerbox technology that will enable profitable generation of electricity at small heating plants. The project, which is being partly financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, is considered to have great potential, with economic, climate and environmental benefits. The collaboration comes after Opcon has further developed its Opcon Powerbox technology to enable electricity to be generated from steam. This opens the door to a series of new applications within the energy sector, process industry and shipping. An installation is planned for March 2010 on a boiler generating 12-14 bar pressure at a small heating plant operated by Skellefte Kraft. According to a feasibility study made by Skellefte Kraft, a future investment would be profitable even based on electricity prices in 2009. There are several interesting opportunities for our technology in the power industry, even though we see an even greater potential in, for example CHP-applications in the process industry. Co-operation with Skellefte Kraft, who are themselves investing significant amounts so that we can evaluate this technology together in a new application, shows that Skellefte Kraft has high ambitions concerning opportunities for cost-efficient production of electricity at smaller plants. Along with support from the Swedish Energy Agency, this gives an indication that we are not alone in seeing considerable economic potential in these applications, says Rolf Hasselstrm, President and CEO of Opcon AB. Skellefte Kraft aims to be at the forefront of the development of energy and bioenergy. Its of great interest for us to be able to add generation of electricity to our smaller, existing plants. It is also very much in line with the goals our modern society sets in its environment, climate and energy policies. Combined production of heating and electricity has the advantage of production taking place close to the customer and thus has benefits in terms of distribution. Our collaboration with Opcon regarding this project has so far been good, says Lars Atterhem, business area manager for heating, Skellefte Kraft. According to official statistics from the Swedish District Heating Association, there are 66 district heating networks with incineration plants, that are not combined heat and power plants, in the 21-80 GWh heating range (total of around 2.35 TWh) and 40 smaller networks in the 11-20 GWh heating range (total around 0.65 TWh). For further information, please contact Niklas Johansson, vice president, Investor Relations, tel. +46 8-466 45 00, +46 70-592 54 53 Opcon AB, Box 15085, 104 65 Stockholm, Sweden Tel. +46 8-466 45 00, fax+46 8-716 76 61 e-mail: [email protected] www.Opcon.se Stig Lindkvist, Skellefte Kraft, heating dept. tel +46 910-77 26 52 mobile +46 70-674 84 71 e-mail [email protected] The Opcon Group Opcon is an energy and environmental technology Group that develops, produces and markets systems and products for eco-friendly, efficient and resource-effective use of energy. Opcon has activities in Sweden, China, Germany, the UK and Denmark. There are around 375 employees. The companys shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. The Group comprises three business areas: Renewable Energy focuses on generating electricity from waste heat, bioenergy, systems for handling natural gas, industrial cooling, recycling of heat, drying of biomass, treatment of flue gases, handling systems for biomass, etc., air systems for fuel cells and measurement and monitoring of processes. Engine Efficiency focuses on ignition systems for combustion engines including ethanol, natural gas and biogas engines. Mobility Products focuses on technology for positioning, motion and regulation for electrical vehicles, electrical wheelchairs and hospital beds. Skellefte Kraft Skellefte Kraft is one of the largest producers of electrical power in Sweden, with its own hydroelectric energy resources. With our in-house expertise and continuing development work, we provide quality, security, and competence in bioenergy technologies and processes, wind power and more. This means that we can offer our customers value-for-money, long-term green energy solutions and safe and secure delivery. Skellefte Kraft AB is a wholly owned municipal company incorporating five business areas Electric Power, Electric Networks, Heating, Properties and Communication. We also have the staff to support these business areas. We currently employ around 500 staff and our turnover for 2008 was SEK 3.6 billion.
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