Pohjolan Voima’s associated company, the Jacobstad-based energy company Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab is launching change negotiations covering its entire workforce as part of efforts to develop its operations and improve profitability. As part of the company’s development programme, the future of the Alholmens Kraft 2 (AK2) generating unit and the possible discontinuation of its market-based operation in spring 2027 are being assessed.
The change negotiations concern all 39 employees of Alholmens Kraft. According to the preliminary estimate, the negotiations may result in a reduction of up to 19 positions and a reorganisation of operations.
The negotiations are linked to the company’s development programme, which aims to increase production flexibility and profitability while adapting operations to future changes.
“Through the development programme, we are preparing for the completion of two electric boilers currently under construction, which are scheduled to be commissioned in spring 2027, and for the changes they will bring to the operation and maintenance of the power plant. In addition, we are assessing the possible withdrawal of the AK2 generating unit from the electricity market after the 2026-2027 heating season. The profitability of AK2 has declined due to structural changes in the market and low market prices. The introduction of the electric boilers will also reduce our dependence on the heat produced by the unit. As an ageing facility, the unit would require significant future investments, which would further weaken its profitability outlook,” says Björn Åkerlund, Managing Director of Alholmens Kraft.
Decisions will be made after the change negotiations have concluded. In any event, Alholmens Kraft’s production is planned to continue as normal throughout the 2026-2027 winter season.
Alholmens Kraft produces process steam for UPM’s mills in Pietarsaari, district heat for the Pietarsaari region and electricity. The company’s combined heat and power plant consists of two generating units, Alholmens Kraft 1 (AK1) and Alholmens Kraft 2 (AK2). The biomass-fired power plant primarily uses bark and other forest industry side streams as fuel, supplemented by solid recovered fuel (SRF). Commissioned in 2001, AK2 has an electrical output of 240 MW and a thermal output of 160 MW, while the smaller AK1 unit has an electrical output of 25 MW and a thermal output of 85 MW. Two 60 MW electric boilers are currently under construction at the site and are scheduled for completion in spring 2027.
Further information: Björn Åkerlund
Managing Director, Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab
bjorn.akerlund@akraft.fi
Tel. +358 40 779 8503