Energy company Alholmens Kraft has made an investment decision regarding two 60-megawatt electric boilers to be installed at its power plant in Pietarsaari. This investment will increase the flexibility of heat and electricity production and support supply security. Additionally, the electric boilers will enable the provision of balancing power required for the stability of the electricity system. According to plans, the investment will be completed in spring 2027. The value of the investment is approximately 10 million euros.
“Electric boilers are an important investment for us, enabling us to take advantage of the volatility and price fluctuations of the electricity market, while reducing the need for combustion at the power plant. The investment increases production flexibility as well as the security of heat and electricity supply. Furthermore, the electric boilers will also enhance our ability to regulate production and participate in balancing and reserve electricity markets,” says Björn Åkerlund, CEO of Alholmens Kraft.
The electric boilers will produce process steam and district heat when electricity is inexpensive. The efficiency of use is high, as almost all electrical energy is converted into heat. The power of the electric boiler can be adjusted precisely, and it can be started up and shut down quickly as needed.
“The electric boilers will become part of the Alholmens Kraft power plant complex and will be built in a new building next to the turbine building of Alholmens Kraft 2. Preparatory work will begin this winter, and construction is scheduled to start in July 2026. The final commissioning of the electric boiler plant will take place in spring 2027. The main equipment supplier is the Norwegian company Parat Halvorsen AS,” explains project manager Konsta Keijälä.
Further information:
Björn Åkerlund, CEO, Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab, bjorn.akerlund@akraft.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 779 8503
Konsta Keijälä, Project Manager, Production Development, Pohjolan Voima Oyj, konsta.keijala@pvo.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 731 9340
Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab’s combined heat and power plant is located in the Alholmens Kraft and UPM Pietarsaari mill area in Pietarsaari. The power plant consists of two units, Alholmens Kraft 1 and 2. The world’s largest bio power plant’s main fuel is bark and other by-products from the forest industry, and solid recovered fuel (SRF) is also used. Alholmens Kraft produces process steam for UPM Pietarsaari mills, district heat for the Pietarsaari area, and electricity. The company’s owners are Pohjolan Voima Oyj (49.9%), Oy Perhonjoki Ab (29.87%), and UPM Energy Oy (20.23%).