Energy consumption
Royal Greenland is in the process of implementing a major transformation programme for the ocean-going fleet.
Energy consumption at processing plants and in fisheries are key focus areas for Royal Greenland.
Since 2019, Royal Greenland has replaced three ocean-going trawlers and two more are on the way in 2023 and 2025. The new vessels are designed according to new principles. As a consequence, over time a reduction is expected in the total energy consumption per tonne of end-product.
Royal Greenland’s land-based production takes place at 37 plants in Greenland, 9 in Canada and 3 in Germany, with varying energy consumption and different energy sources.
Risks and opportunities
The greatest risk on using large amounts of fossil-fuel based energy is the emission of CO2 to the atmosphere, thereby increasing global warming. The risk which rising temperatures present for Arctic towns and settlements is the melting of fresh water from the ice cap to the sea, so that the local salt conditions might change, entailing higher water levels.
We have the opportunity to contribute to preventing a continued increase in global warming and its impacts, seen locally and worldwide. This is a difficult task, but we can see opportunities in joining forces to tackle climate change, through improvement and reduction projects, as well as cooperation with energy supply companies that are working to achieve sustainable, climate-neutral energy forms.
Fisheries and the subsequent value chain depend on energy for engines and machines. Hydroelectric power is available in several of the countries in which we operate, but we still rely heavily on fossil fuel supplies.
Actions and results 2022
The Group’s energy consumption is influenced by many factors. For each unit, there is significant basic consumption, and the smaller the volumes fished or produced per unit, the higher the relative consumption per unit. The ocean-going trawlers, which consume energy for sailing, fishing, processing and freezing on board, account for the largest share of the Group's energy consumption. The Group’s total energy consumption in 2022 was approximately 465 GWh, an increase of 16% from 2021, compared to an increase in raw materials by 8%.
Investments in new vessels have, however, made the consumption of fossil fuels as efficient as possible by switching from hydraulic to electrically powered winches, using triple trawl nets instead of double trawl nets, and larger cargo holds that reduce the scope of transport shipping. The increased consumption must therefore primarily be seen as a result of a changed activity pattern.
New and old M/tr Sisimiut
New and old M/tr Sisimiut
The new vessel, M/tr Sisimiut, is a very robust vessel that supports fishing in even the roughest weather conditions and makes fishing more efficient. Comparison of the new M/tr Sisimiut in 2021 with the older M/tr Sisimiut in 2018 shows that energy consumption per tonne of catch has been reduced by more than 20%.
At the onshore production units, energy consumption per tonne of end-product increased by 8% in 2022. Royal Greenland's production in Greenland is distributed on 37 plants, so that there are many units where minor deviations may occur.
In 2022, solar panels were installed in Qeqertarsuatsiaat. The contribution is relatively low, but the test is an attempt to use alternative energy sources.
Goals and achievement of the goals 2019-2022:
Goal:
Continued reduction of energy consumption per tonne of end-product in the Group by around 5% per annum.
Achievement of the goal:
In 2019 a goal was set for energy consumption per tonne of end-product to be reduced by 5% per annum. Calculation of the development in consumption from 2018 to 2022 shows an overall increase of 7%, so that the goal has not been reached.
Ambitions for 2030
Continued reduction of energy consumption, with a total reduction for the Group of 30% from 2018.
