Nornickel Explores New Technologies in Metals, AI, and Hydrogen Energy
Nornickel, the world's largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel, is expanding its focus beyond traditional markets into innovative technologies. Vitaly Busko, the company's Vice President for Innovations, discussed in an interview with TASS how Nornickel is leveraging 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), and new applications for palladium, particularly in hydrogen-powered vehicles and water disinfection.
Busko highlighted that 85% of Nornickel’s innovation efforts are directed toward internal applications, such as using AI and additive manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency. The remaining 15% involves developing palladium-based solutions to increase demand for this metal, which plays a crucial role in various industries, including energy and electronics. Nornickel is pushing the boundaries of palladium use, with a focus on clean energy technologies like hydrogen power and solar energy.
Nornickel’s Palladium Technology Center is exploring more than 20 projects aimed at introducing palladium into sectors such as hydrogen production and purification, solar energy, biofuels, and microelectronics. Palladium is already integral to hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers, and Nornickel is developing new palladium-based catalysts with higher efficiency and lower costs than current alternatives. The company’s research also focuses on using palladium coatings for hydrogen transportation tanks and membranes for ultra-pure hydrogen production.
The center aims to develop 100 new materials by 2030, which could generate demand for at least 40 tons of palladium annually, with 10 tons of that potentially used in hydrogen energy technologies.
Nornickel’s partnership with Ecofes has resulted in the development of a palladium-based anode for water disinfection. This technology reduces electricity consumption by 10-15% in electrolysis, making it more efficient than existing designs. The technology has been successfully tested in a water utility and could soon be scaled for industrial use in Russia and China. Nornickel is also exploring the use of similar palladium-based anodes for nickel electroextraction, which could enhance efficiency in nickel production.
Additive manufacturing is another area where Nornickel sees significant potential. By using 3D scanning and printing, the company is able to produce custom parts for its remote operations, cutting costs by 50% or more. This technology not only reduces logistical challenges but also extends the lifespan of equipment. Nornickel is also developing nickel-based powders for use in industries such as aerospace and power generation, with the potential to supply a growing market in China and Russia.
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role at Nornickel, helping to improve ore processing and metal recovery. AI systems are being integrated across various factories to assist operators with decision-making, relieving them from routine tasks. Nornickel is also piloting AI solutions based on large language models, such as GPT-style technologies. These tools are being tested for applications in tax management and production support, with a "tipster for the chief metallurgist" currently in development. The company hopes to have these AI solutions operational by the end of the year.
Nornickel continues to innovate across its operations, seeking new markets for its metals and technologies while maintaining its leadership in traditional areas of production.
