Kerava bioenergy plant enters commercial use

The Kerava bioenergy plant entered commercial use on 30 November 2009. With the commissioning of the power plant, the share of domestic fuels will increase in energy production in Kerava.

The commissioning tests of the Kerava bioenergy plant have been completed, and the power plant  entered commercial use on Monday, 30 November. Test use of the Kerava bioenergy plant started at the turn of August–September, and deliveries of heat to the city of Kerava began in September. The power plant was synchronised to the national grid for the first time in October.

- The commissioning tests were performed on schedule, and the power plant was completed according to advance plans, says Sami Kotimäki, Project Manager, Keravan Energia.

The construction of the power plant, which is a joint venture between Pohjolan Voima and Keravan Energia, started in January 2008 and equipment installation in January 2009. The turbine and generator were installed in mid-August 2009. In addition, a solid fuel handling system with storage units has been completed at the power plant.

The Kerava bioenergy plant, fuelled by branches, toppings, stumps, wood from thinning, and peat, will introduce Pohjolan Voima's bioenergy programme to the Helsinki region for the first time. At the same time, the bioenergy plant is a significant part of Keravan Energia's strategy of increasing self-sufficiency in electricity production with renewable and emission-free energy.

The commissioning of the power plant will translate into an increase in the share of domestic fuels in energy production and a significant decrease in the need for natural gas in Kerava. In the early phase of operation, wood-based fuels, i.e., bioenergy, will account for slightly over a half of the fuel. The power plant will produce 21 MW of energy, 48 MW of district heat and 10 MW of process heat.

All of the energy produced by the new Pohjolan Voima-owned power plant will be delivered in its entirety to Keravan Energia Oy. The new power plant will produce 75% of the city of Kerava's district heat and 25% of Keravan Energia's electricity supply. The total costs of the power plant investment amount to approximately EUR 70 million.

Additional information

Risto Mäkinen, Managing Director, Pohjolan Voima Oy
Sami Kotimäki, Project Manager, Keravan Energia Oy
Matti Kouhio, Production Manager, Keravan Energia Oy