Energy company Alholmens Kraft’s electric boiler project in Pietarsaari has progressed to the construction phase. Work began in July with site preparation and foundation work. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The electric boilers will strengthen the security of electricity and heat supply and increase flexibility in their production.
In early 2026, Alholmens Kraft made an investment decision worth approximately EUR 10 million to acquire two 60-megawatt electric boilers. During the spring, detailed project planning and the procurement process progressed. Some procurement activities will continue alongside the construction phase. Construction began in July on the new building that will house the electric boilers.
“The building will be located next to the Alholmens Kraft 2 turbine building. Ground-supported foundations are currently being constructed at the site. We aim to complete the foundations in early September and carry out preparatory process connections for the electric boilers during the scheduled maintenance weeks in September. As the power plant will already be shut down at that time, we can avoid additional outages,” says Konsta Keijälä, Project Manager for the project.
Once the earthworks and foundation work have been completed, erection of the steel frame will begin. The building is expected to reach its full height during October.
“The frame and foundations must be completed before the electric boilers arrive in November. The installation will be carried out by the main equipment supplier, Norwegian company Parat Halvorsen AS. Final commissioning is scheduled for spring 2027,” Keijälä says.
The electric boilers will be used to produce process steam and district heat, particularly when electricity prices are low. They are highly energy-efficient, as almost all the electrical energy is converted into heat. Their output can also be adjusted quickly and precisely.
Further information:
Konsta Keijälä, Project Manager, Production Development, Pohjolan Voima Oyj
konsta.keijala@pvo.fi, tel. +358 40 731 9340
Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab’s combined heat and power plant is located in the Alholmen industrial area in Pietarsaari, on the premises of Alholmens Kraft and UPM Pietarsaari. The power plant consists of two units, Alholmens Kraft 1 and 2. The main fuels used by the world’s largest biomass-fired power plant are bark and other forest industry side streams. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) is also used. Alholmens Kraft produces process steam for UPM’s Pietarsaari mills, district heating for the Pietarsaari area and electricity. The company is owned by Pohjolan Voima Oyj (49.9%), Katternö Kraft Oy Ab (29.87%) and UPM Energy Oy (20.23%).