The ageing automation systems at Rauma Biovoima are being renewed in stages. The investment in the automation of the plant, which produces process steam, heat and electricity, continues long term development work. The aim is to keep the power plant in continuous operation throughout the project. The renewal is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“This project is a major investment for Rauma and a significant effort for our staff, partners and the plant itself. The second phase — the upgrade of the HK5 steam boiler — was completed just in time for the onset of the cold spell, enabling us to produce energy even more efficiently. It has been important for us to keep the plant running throughout the work, and we have succeeded well together,” says Markus Pyykönen, Managing Director of Rauman Biovoima Oy.
The first phase, which began in summer 2024, renewed the control systems for fuel reception and conveyor systems. The second phase, completed at the turn of the year, focused on the automation systems of the older HK5 steam boiler, which was commissioned in 1996. Other updates were also carried out.
“In summer 2025, we completely refurbished our main control room — not only the systems, but also the break and office facilities. They have been very well received,” Pyykönen says.
The automation renewal improves process management at the multi‑fuel power plant. The modern control environment and upgraded control room make operators’ work easier. Production can be optimised for maximum energy and cost efficiency while strengthening the plant’s operational reliability.
Extensive upgrades to safety systems
The second phase also included updates to safety‑related systems (TLJ) to meet current standards. The work proved extensive: in addition to the safety automation system, field devices were renewed and added, piping modifications were carried out, and field cabling was replaced. Accredited inspection body Kiwa verified that the design, implementation and maintenance processes of the safety automation meet the required safety and quality standards.
“Safety requirements have changed and expanded a great deal since the plant was commissioned. It is great that our systems are now fully up to date. Our combustion boilers also meet the latest standards and guidelines issued by Tukes,” Pyykönen notes.
Safety was also enhanced during the control room refurbishment.
“We improved the ‘eyes’ of the control room by renewing the process cameras. We also introduced several thermal cameras at the reception points for biofuels and recycled fuels, where the ignition sensitivity of the materials makes them important for fire safety. In addition, a machine‑vision system has been tested to detect unwanted particles in the fuel flow on the conveyor,” Pyykönen says.
The final phase will be the most demanding
The final phase of the renewal project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to Pyykönen, this will be the most demanding stage, as it includes renewing the plant’s common steam systems. It will also cover the newer HK6 steam boiler, commissioned in 2006, and the oil‑fired backup boiler.
“In complex projects like this, good cooperation and communication are key. Although the upcoming phase will be challenging, we now have a proven work and risk‑management process in place. So far, we have succeeded very well.”
The automation system for the renewal project is supplied by Honeywell Oy, with AFRY Finland Oy acting as the partner responsible for control engineering.