Installation of Kierikki's new machine unit completed

Installation of the renewed Machine unit 1 at the Kierikki power plant on the River Iijoki has been completed. Heavy rainfall towards the end of 2006 delayed the scheduled start of the work by more than a month, but the machine unit became operational one day before spring floods began on the river. The machine unit was first connected to the transmission network on 16 April 2007, before and after which time it underwent an intense period of testing. Turbine hydraulics and adjustment components have been tested, generator "drying run" is completed and the generator's electric protection is ensured. The renewal process was completed slightly ahead of schedule to avoid unnecessary spilling. The machine unit will be in normal operation for a one-month trial period during which machine functioning and production levels promised by the equipment suppliers will be monitored.

Kierikki's Machine unit 2 was renewed a year ago. After Kierikki, the Iijoki power plant overhaul programme will continue with Haapakoski next in line (2008 to 2009), followed by the other Pohjolan Voima plants, so that by around 2015 the machine units of all five power plants will have been renewed. The programme will involve turbine renewal, basic refurbishment and partial renewal of generators and modernisation of automation equipment. This will result in a 44-megawatt increase in output. The project is estimated to cost € 50 million in total.