Topping out at the new biofuel plant in Kerava

The topping-out ceremony at the new Kerava biofuel plant was held on 12 March 2009, with construction work at Myllynummi, Kerava, due for completion towards the end of 2009. The new plant will considerably increase the use of domestic fuels in energy production in Kerava. The investment totals EUR 65 million.

The project is progressing on schedule. Construction began in January 2008, solid fuel reception unit construction started in early December 2008 and power plant equipment installation at the beginning of January this year. Early February saw the erection of the 70m chimney stack, and the boiler building rose to its final height on 12 January 2009.
 
At the moment there are 170 people working on the site, while at its peak in early April the headcount will be 220.
 
The new power plant will supply 21 MW of electricity, 48 MW of district heat and 10 MW of process heat. Its energy sources will be logging residue, stumps and peat. The plant will increase the use of domestic fuels and local energy production in Kerava, considerably decreasing the share of natural gas. Its production will cover around 75% of the district heating needs of the City of Kerava and around 25% of the electricity procurement of the local energy company, Keravan Energia.
 
Owned by Pohjolan Voima's subsidiary Keravan Lämpövoima Oy, the energy generated by the new plant will be supplied to Keravan Energia Oy.
 
The Kerava biofuel plant allows the extension of Pohjolan Voima's extensive biofuel programme to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. With its partners Pohjolan Voima has created 80% of Finland's new capacity for bioelectricity production. The investments total EUR 1.4 billion.