Valmet Enhances Energy Efficiency at Helen's Salmisaari Pellet Heating Plant

Enhancing Sustainability at Helen's Salmisaari Pellet Heating Plant

In a remarkable stride towards renewable energy, Valmet has announced the delivery of a state-of-the-art flue gas condensing plant to Helen's Salmisaari K6 pellet heating plant located in Helsinki, Finland. This investment aims to significantly enhance the facility's heat recovery capability, resulting in improved energy efficiency and increased heat production, all while minimizing emissions.

Juhani Aaltonen, Senior Vice President of Clean Transition Investments at Helen, emphasized that this initiative will contribute greatly towards the company's objectives to fortify renewable heat production and amplify energy output from biomass. By recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted, the new system not only optimizes the overall effectiveness of the plant but also allows for more district heating to be generated from the same fuel quantity. This, in turn, aids in reducing the environmental footprint of heating operations.

The innovative heat recovery system utilizes flue gas condensation technology, which is designed to capture and utilize the heat contained in water vapor emitted from the pellet-fired heating plant. This recovered heat will be redirected into the district heating network, thereby enhancing the efficiency of heat production and maximizing the amount of useful energy extracted from renewable biomass.

At Valmet, the belief is that enhancing energy efficiency stands as one of the most potent methods for energy producers to elevate the worth of their infrastructure. Lari-Matti Kuvaja, the Director of Environmental Solutions, illuminated how this initiative exemplifies Valmet’s commitment to assisting energy producers in optimizing resource efficiency, advancing operational capabilities, and promoting sustainability. Particularly for district heating suppliers, improved energy efficiency can lead to lower operational costs, better fuel utilization, and diminished environmental impacts.

Valmet's delivery encompasses a complete flue gas condensation plant along with the construction necessary for the Salmisaari K6 facility. This cutting-edge equipment will be seamlessly integrated with the existing heating units, forming a unified and state-of-the-art Salmisaari K6 and K7 heating complex, previously equipped by Valmet.

One of the delivery’s standout features is the connection to Helen's district cooling network. This integrated system enables the flue gas temperature to be reduced to below 10 degrees Celsius without needing separate heat pumps. The heat harvested from the district cooling network can then be redirected into the district heating system, making full use of Helen's existing heat pumps for maximum efficiency.

As the original provider of the current processing systems, Valmet is uniquely positioned to incorporate the new heat recovery solution into the Salmisaari plant. This holistic approach ensures dependable plant operation, efficient upkeep, and optimized performance throughout the plant’s lifespan.

Helen Ltd., recognized as a leading provider in retail electricity sales in Finland, manages the production as well as the distribution of district heating and cooling services in Helsinki. With aspirations of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, Helen is continuously seeking to enhance its energy solutions and reduce operational emissions through the implementation of innovative energy systems.

This initiative not only exemplifies the strategic partnership between Valmet and Helen but also sets a forward-thinking precedent in the realm of sustainable energy production, marking a crucial step on the path toward a greener future for urban heating solutions. The order for the flue gas condensing plant was recorded as part of Valmet's commitments for the second quarter of 2026, with the installation anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2027.

In this age of climate awareness, such projects underscore the pivotal role that technology and innovation play in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. Through partnerships like these, both Valmet and Helen are paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient energy future for cities such as Helsinki and beyond.