The low-carbon strategy for the development of the global economy and actions to curb the growth of average temperature give Norilsk Nickel unique opportunities to become one of the leaders in the production of "green" metals necessary for energy transfer, www.ttelegraf.ru notes.
Experts highly appreciate the results of Norilsk Nickel's ESG activities, despite all the challenges that the company had to face in operating and marketing activities, implementing strategic projects and maintaining financial stability.
"Last year, many experts looked at the leaders of the ESG agenda, including such a flagship as Norilsk Nickel, with some fear: what if they abandon this direction? Because there was a feeling that the work on sustainable development is mainly export-oriented. But this year has shown that there has been a very qualitative change of beneficiaries in the company. ESG "in the area" has become as important as ESG "for export". Such a turn towards interested persons who work in the company and live near the company inspires great hope for the future," said Svetlana Bik, head of the Infragrin expert and analytical platform.
The strategic priorities approved by Norilsk Nickel until 2030 include a radical improvement of the environmental situation in the regions of presence, modernization of existing and construction of new facilities in order to increase the production of base metals, as well as maintaining financial stability.
According to experts, the company's dynamic growth in the long term will be supported by an increase in demand for its main products needed to improve the energy efficiency of transport and the development of renewable energy sources.
In particular, based on the study of trends in the development of industries that are key consumers of Norilsk Nickel metals, an increase in demand for nickel and copper is expected in the long term and a neutral effect among platinum group metals.
"Norilsk Nickel's products will remain in demand for decades to come. The transition to a green economy is primarily about changes in the two industries that make the greatest negative contribution to climate change: transport and energy. And it so happened that the entire basket of metals of Norilsk Nickel participates in this transformation. They are used in all new power generation systems: wind, solar, tidal, needed for the production of wires, batteries, transformers. Electric cars require more nickel, cobalt and copper. As well as hydrogen transport. The key challenge here is the ability to produce these metals responsibly, environmentally friendly, without affecting the environment. This is a trend for the future development of the company," said Anton Berlin, Vice President and Head of Sales and Commerce at Norilsk Nickel.
Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished
