EPV Energy’s subsidiary, Tornion Voima, plans to invest in a new gas-engine power plant. It will be capable of rapidly increasing electricity generation during various disruptions and unpredictable weather conditions. The total capacity of the engine power plant is about 43 MW. The construction work will start this autumn, and the completed power plant will become operational in 2026.
Tornion Voima has made an investment decision to build a new gas-engine power plant. This power plant will be built in Röyttä, Tornio, at the Outokumpu factory site, close to the existing power plant operations. When completed, it will be the first modern engine power plant in Finland and will start operating in 2026.
The decision to invest has been the result of a long period of planning and analysis. Aki Hakulinen, Managing Director of Tornion Voima, explains that the investigation into the construction of gas turbines and engines in Tornio had begun in 2012. He says he couldn’t be more pleased that the project is finally coming to fruition.
“Before launching the project, we carried out a lengthy feasibility study that was abandoned a few times before being reopened. In the end, we concluded that Finland is increasingly in need of this type of power generation, which ensures load balancing and is capable of providing full output quickly. This will ensure the availability and sufficiency of electricity regardless of weather conditions,” says Hakulinen.
The engine power plant will generate electricity for the parent company EPV Energy and its owners. If necessary, the gas engines can also be used to support the Outokumpu factory site’s electricity network in case of disruptions.
In the initial phase of production, the main fuel used will be natural gas. Fuel logistics will benefit from the region’s natural gas infrastructure to which the engine power plant will be connected. This infrastructure can also be used for synthetic gas and biogas, which means that natural gas will act as a bridge to future zero-emission solutions.
Construction to start this autumn
The power plant will consist of four gas engines with a combined electrical output of around 43 MW. A separate building with all the required support functions will be built for the power plant, close to the existing power plant operations.
Preliminary construction work will start this autumn, with Tornion Voima laying the foundations for the buildings and equipment. Tornion Voima will also carry out the necessary pipework and electrical connections. Wärtsilä will be responsible for the construction work from next spring until the power plant’s completion. The engine power plant will be ready for commissioning by February 2026, with the final construction work to be completed later that spring.
For more information contact: Aki Hakulinen, Managing Director of Tornion Voima, 050 3862602