Building a More Systematic Approach to Energy Management through an EnMS

In high-energy operations, measured energy management is a key factor in maintaining efficiency and operational reliability, as well as supporting the company’s decarbonisation targets. At Harita Nickel, energy requirements underpin a range of key operational areas, from mining and processing to electricity generation on Obi Island, South Halmahera. 

Throughout 2025, Harita Nickel recorded a total energy consumption of 113,191,654 GJ, of which 38,937,906 GJ was generated through the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI), comprising 64.7% new energy and 35.3% renewable energy. During the same period, the company also implemented various sustainable energy initiatives, including the use of biodiesel, the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the utilization of waste heat from the acid plant's processes, the use of electric vehicles within its operational areas, and the use of coal gasification.

On the operational side, more efficient energy use helps reduce costs, minimize waste, and improve visibility into consumption patterns across each work area. From an environmental perspective, well-targeted energy optimization also contributes to reducing carbon emissions from operational activities.

To achieve structured and purposeful energy management, Harita Nickel continues to strengthen its energy governance through the implementation of an Energy Management System (EnMS) based on ISO 50001, as part of the company's Decarbonization Roadmap. Implementation is being carried out in phases.

The EnMS implementation is also part of Harita Nickel’s medium-term targets in its decarbonisation roadmap. The company aims for a 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2032 through improved energy efficiency, optimization of the energy mix, and wider use of non-fossil energy sources. In practice, this target is measured against a 2024 baseline for existing facilities. For newly built facilities, measurements will be taken once they are operating at full capacity. 

"Implementation is being carried out in stages: starting with awareness-building through training sessions, followed by a readiness assessment to establish baselines and targets, and then preparing for continuous improvement across operational areas," said Zahedi Zakaria, ESG Transformation Manager at Harita Nickel.

This initial phase began in 2025 with Harita Nickel conducting a Level 1 Energy Audit covering the mining, smelter, and refinery areas. The audit served as a preliminary assessment ahead of a deeper energy use analysis under the EnMS framework.

EnMS implementation began with mining operations in 2025 and is being expanded in 2026 to include the smelter and power plant. By covering these key operational areas, Harita Nickel is building a clearer picture of energy use and identifying efficiency opportunities at each site.

This momentum continued in May–June 2026, when the company conducted an EnMS Awareness and Gap Assessment Training Program. The one-week training involved participants from across operational functions, including the Production, Power Plant, Maintenance, Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), and Human Resources (HR) departments. The agenda also included an executive briefing for operational leadership to align strategic support for this initiative.

"During the training sessions, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of management systems, relevant regulations, and the requirements of ISO 50001:2018. Beyond building technical knowledge, the training also strengthened cross-functional understanding of how energy management can be integrated into day-to-day operational activities," Zahedi added.

Through this process, the company was able to identify areas of high power consumption, uncover previously unmeasured inefficiencies, and map out energy optimization opportunities.

This approach builds on previous measures, with the company recording a reduction and avoidance of 3,151,013 tCO₂e in emissions throughout 2025 through various measurable energy initiatives.

The outputs from the training and gap assessment will serve as the foundation for setting energy performance targets, developing efficiency action plans, and integrating energy indicators into operational evaluation processes. Through these steps, Harita Nickel continues to build the organization's capacity to manage energy in a more disciplined, measurable, and sustainable manner, as part of its efforts to support more efficient and low-carbon operations.

To find out more about Harita Nickel’s sustainability initiatives and decarbonization roadmap, please access the 2025 Sustainability Report via this link.