Vaasan Sähkö is planning to invest in a new gas-engine power plant in Tornio, as part of a co-investment between EPV Energy and its owners. Vaasan Sähkö’s share will be more than half.
The power plant 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.
“The Tornio gas engine plant is a significant investment for our electricity system, even though its output covers only part of the balancing capacity required by the market”, comments Henri Torsti, Energy Manager at Vaasan Sähkö.
“The plant can be started up quickly, and its power can be adjusted very flexibly. When completed, the plant will bring much-needed balancing power to the electricity market and contribute to improving the operational reliability of the energy system in the most challenging situations.”
The engine power plant will generate electricity for 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.
The energy production company Tornion Voima will be laying the foundations for the buildings and equipment as well as carry out the necessary pipework and electrical connections. Wärtsilä will be responsible for the construction work starting from next spring until the power plant’s completion.