Permafrost Monitoring System Wins International Award
Permafrost is a unique natural zone in the Arctic that has preserved its secrets in ice for hundreds and even thousands of years. The frozen soils from centuries ago attract attention for a reason: global warming is causing irreversible processes that threaten vast areas of the planet. For this reason, the environmental agenda of recent years consistently includes the issue of ongoing monitoring of permafrost. Norilsk Nickel launched a unique project to address this need. The company's technologies have been recognized as effective in analyzing climate changes and were awarded at the international climate competition "Green Eurasia."
In Russia, the total permafrost area exceeds 11 million square kilometers, covering nearly two-thirds of the country. Monitoring permafrost is therefore a pressing issue, especially in regions like Eastern Siberia and Transbaikal region, where permafrost is most widespread. Norilsk Nickel, operating in areas like Norilsk, Murmansk Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, and Transbaikal region, has long been implementing advanced climate practices.
This year, the results of the second international climate competition "Green Eurasia" were announced at the Eurasian Economic Forum. Organized by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), the competition awarded Norilsk Nickel's "Permafrost Monitoring System" as one of the winning projects.
The recognition of Norilsk Nickel's permafrost monitoring system as one of the best at the "Green Eurasia" competition highlights the company's growing expertise in environmental monitoring. Norilsk Nickel emphasized that assessing the impacts of permafrost thawing in its operational regions and managing related risks remain under constant scrutiny. The company's experience in this area can serve as an effective climate practice for others to adopt.
Over 300 practices from 12 countries were presented at the competition, with 57 climate solutions becoming winners and finalists in 15 categories. Norilsk Nickel's project stood out in the category Climate Adaptation: Monitoring and Forecasting Climate Change.
"Permafrost monitoring is a critical initiative. Norilsk Nickel aims to study the stability of its facilities built on permafrost. Climate risks are severe in the company's operating regions, and significant efforts are being made to adapt to these changes. Monitoring hazardous climate processes and risks is vital for all Russian companies. Developing such a system is the first step toward understanding and managing climate risks. In this regard, Norilsk Nickel sets an excellent example," said Alexander Chernokulsky, Deputy Director at the Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Ministry of Energy estimated the potential damage from permafrost thawing through 2050, suggesting losses for municipal infrastructure could reach 7 trillion rubles. This figure could rise significantly when accounting for fuel and energy facilities. Thus, effective permafrost monitoring remains a strategic priority for both the government and businesses.
Special observation wells play a key role in monitoring permafrost that has been frozen for centuries. However, these wells are just one component of a comprehensive geotechnical research system designed to provide systematic data on permafrost conditions.
"Systematic monitoring networks began developing at the legislative level relatively recently. To date, around 78 observation wells have been drilled under the auspices of Roshydromet enterprises and organizations, primarily reaching depths of 20–25 meters. The goal is to establish about 140 wells. Norilsk Nickel alone has 28 wells, eight of which are 200 meters deep—a truly unique achievement," noted Boris Porfiryev, Scientific Director of the Institute of National Economic Forecasting, Russian Academy of Sciences.
Porfiryev emphasized the importance of private companies like Norilsk Nickel contributing to state monitoring systems. This work earned Norilsk Nickel first place at the "Green Eurasia" competition.
The company has plans to expand its observation network, with 200-meter wells already installed in Norilsk, Talnakh, Oganer, Kayerkan, and Dudinka. Some of these wells are automated, transmitting data twice daily to the Polar Division’s Monitoring Center. Comparing data from a well in Norilsk’s city center in 1959 and 2024 revealed that soil temperature at a depth of 10 meters has increased by 4.3°C over 65 years.
Norilsk is one of the five northernmost cities in the world, characterized by extreme Arctic conditions. The harsh climate challenges both people and infrastructure. As global warming accelerates permafrost degradation, mitigating risks associated with thawing soils has become a priority for Norilsk Nickel.
"The prestigious award for our Permafrost Monitoring System for Norilsk Industrial Area is crucial for the company. It validates our commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change through engineering and scientific innovation. This project enhances our ability to adapt to changing conditions, offering better data for future forecasts. Norilsk Nickel is currently the only company in Russia conducting both baseline and geotechnical monitoring simultaneously," noted Giorgi Kunchulia, Acting Director of the Department of Scientific and Technical Support for Polar Division Facilities.
Norilsk Nickel's comprehensive approach to permafrost research allows the company to make informed management and technical decisions. The monitoring system ensures the safe operation of industrial facilities by detecting potential defects early, enabling timely preventive measures.
The company has implemented a two-level diagnostic system for structural stability: warning and emergency thresholds. Over 220 buildings and structures have been equipped with sensors monitoring key parameters, and 347 new observation wells have been drilled. More than 1,800 sensors now provide real-time data to a unified monitoring center.
Future plans include integrating around 1,500 infrastructure objects into the monitoring system, including pump stations, substations, pipelines, and railways.
This innovative system not only enhances business resilience but also underscores Norilsk Nickel’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological responsibility.
Source: Gazeta.ru
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