Pohjolan Voima's subsidiary, Porin Prosessivoima, has made an investment decision for a 60-megawatt electric steam boiler. The boiler will be integrated into Porin Prosessivoima's existing power plant complex. It ensures and enhances energy production and aims to reduce the need for fuel usage, thereby decreasing the power plant's emissions. Additionally, the electric steam boiler will be able to produce balancing power to stabilise the electricity system. The investment amounts to 10.5 million euros and is scheduled for completion in August 2026.
“We are very pleased with the investment decision. The electric steam boiler is part of our determined efforts to reduce Porin Prosessivoima’s use of fossil fuels. As weather-dependent energy production increases, more balancing capacity is needed in the electricity grid. Therefore, this investment is important to us,” says Eero Niemitalo, Managing Director of Porin Prosessivoima.
The electric boiler will produce district heating when electricity is cheap. It converts electrical energy into heat, which in turn vaporises water. The efficiency of use is high, as almost all electrical energy is converted into heat. The power of the electric boiler can be precisely adjusted, and it starts and stops quickly as needed.
“The reduction in fuel usage enabled by the electric boiler depends on the price and fluctuations of electricity. For example, in 2024, our fuel usage would have decreased by about 15 percent with the help of the electric boiler. It can also produce energy for our power plant when the main boiler undergoes annual maintenance. This significantly reduces the use of liquefied natural gas, and the emissions generated from it in our energy production,” Niemitalo explains.
Porin Prosessivoima has already reduced the power plant’s fuel usage and emissions: the flue gas heat recovery plant was completed at the end of 2024. As a result, the carbon dioxide emissions from district heat production in the Pori area will decrease by approximately 1,000 tons per year. Thanks to the investments, the use of peat as fuel in the power plant has already been completely abandoned.
Additional Information:
Eero Niemitalo, Managing Director, Porin Prosessivoima Oy,
tel. +358 (0)44 701 2105, eero.niemitalo@porienergia.fi
Porin Prosessivoima Oy is 89% owned by Pohjolan Voima Oyj and 11% owned by Pori Energia Oy. The Porin Prosessivoima biopower plant, completed in 2008 in the industrial area of Porin Kaanaa, is a combined heat and power plant that produces district heat for Pori Energia, process heat for the local industry, and electricity. The operation and maintenance of the power plant are managed by Pori Energia.