Opcon starts co-operation with Polish company concerning Opcon Powerbox
In 2008 Opcon AB, the energy and environmental technology Group, launched Opcon Powerbox to generate CO2-free electricity from surplus heat.
As part of the global launch of Opcon Powerbox, Opcon has now signed a partnership agreement with Wircom Ltd. a Polish company with 180 employees. Wircom is a subsidiary of Anwil S.A., a leading producer of chemicals in Central and Eastern Europe with sales of around SEK 8 billion and plants in Poland and the Czech Republic. The agreement is part of a broad growth campaign with increased focus on internationalisation.
Wircom’s main activity is service and repairs of power generation equipment in the chemicals and food industries, among others. The company, that operates all over Poland and on other European markets as well, also offer their services to customers in the modernisation or building of new plants.
“We see a great potential for energy efficiency and saving energy in Poland and we are convinced that this partnership with Opcon, with their experience and knowledge, will benefit us, Opcon and our customers alike. With Opcon as a partner, Wircom can offer truly advanced and functional equipment to reduce waste heat and save energy, in addition to the first class service and maintenance we provide our customers with today”, says Karol Jasinski, President of Wircom Ltd.
“The chemicals industry, which has large flows of surplus heat, is a highly interesting segment for Opcon. Wircom’s presence on the large Polish market and not least their know-how and strong connection to the chemicals industry mean that they have the potential to be a successful distributor and partner for Opcon Powerbox. They also have the competence needed to take responsibility for local service in the longer term,” says Rolf Hasselström, CEO of Opcon AB.
“Opcon Powerbox is a global product with greater value on markets where electricity prices are higher than those in Sweden. In Poland, where electricity production is currently almost exclusively based on coal, electricity prices are already higher than here in Sweden and are closer to price levels in Germany. Our aim is to create a network of strong local partners for international distribution of Opcon Powerbox. The agreement with Wircom is one example of how we will act to increase the pace of the launch of Opcon Powerbox,” continues Rolf Hasselström.
Opcon Powerbox produces new CO2-free electricity from waste heat or surplus heat at temperatures as low as 55°C. The unit can be installed in large process-industry plants or power stations. The first full-scale Opcon Powerbox was started up in February 2008. The technology can also be used to generate electricity onboard large ships. By utilizing waste heat, electricity can be produced without consuming new energy from a source that would otherwise go to waste. According to the US Department of Energy there is more waste heat available in American industry than all of the electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the US.
For further information please contact:
Niklas Johansson, vice president, Investor Relations, tel. 08-466 45 00, 070-592 54 53
Opcon AB, Box 15085, 104 65 Stockholm
Tel. +46 (0)8 466 45 00, fax +46 (0)8 716 76 61
e-mail: info@opcon.se
www.opcon.se
About 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 operations in Sweden, China and Denmark. There are around 340 employees. The company´s shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm. The Group comprises three business areas:
Renewable Energy focuses on generating electricity from surplus heat, bioenergy, systems for handling natural gas, industrial cooling, heat recovery, drying of biomass, cleaning of flue gases, air systems for fuel cells and measurement and monitoring of processes. The business area comprises the following subsidiaries:
Svenska Rotor Maskiner (SRM), Opcon Energy Systems (OES), REF Technology, Svensk Rökgasenergi (SRE), Värmlands Montageteknik and the trade marks Opcon Autorotor and Mitec Instrument.
Engine Efficiency focuses on ignition systems for combustion engines including ethanol, natural gas and biogas engines. The business area comprises the following subsidiaries: SEM, Opcon Technology Suzhou and Laminova Production.
Mobility Products focuses on technology for positioning, motion and regulation for electrical vehicles and electrical wheelchairs. The business area comprises the following subsidiaries: REAC and Balle A/S.