Höyrytys Oy has delivered a 2.5 MW electric steam centre to Auris Energia Oy. The delivery included a Zander & Ingeström electric steam boiler, a Bosch supply water tank and blow tank, and other related equipment. The new steam centre us used to produce steam for the local cooperative dairy company Hämeenlinnan Osuusmeijeri.
The electric steam boiler was installed next to the previous gas boiler at the dairy, increasing the operational reliability of production. Höyrytys has previous experience working with both companies.
“Hämeenlinnan Osuusmeijeri already has a gas-fired steam boiler supplied by Höyrytys and that Auris Energia is responsible for operating. In addition, Höyrytys delivered a similar steam centre to Auris Energia in Kouvola a year ago,” says Essi Melanen, Project Manager at Höyrytys.
According to Raine Lampio, Project Manager at Auris Energia at the time of the project, the cooperation with Höyrytys went well.
“Challenges that came up along the way were resolved quickly together. Auris and Höyrytys have cooperated before, so no particular risks were foreseen by working with a familiar operator.”
Auris Energia has implemented electric boiler projects in the past with both Höyrytys and other operators. According to Lampio, the demand for steam plants these days is mainly for electric boilers.
“More traditional boiler options are quite rare in today’s market.”
Increasing electrification of steam production
Demand for electric steam boilers is growing, which can also be seen at Höyrytys. Electric boilers are typically chosen not only because of the absence of emissions, but also because of operational reliability when commissioned alongside the existing boiler.
“When an electric boiler is used alongside a bio- or gas-powered boiler, it is possible to take advantage of electricity price fluctuations by switching it on during low-cost electricity hours. In case of price spikes, a gas boiler can be used. In addition, in certain cases, it is also possible to generate additional income by connecting to the electricity reserve and regulation markets,” says Risto Nupponen, CEO of Höyrytys.
According to Auris Energia, the reserve and regulation markets are indeed one reason why customers select an electric boiler, and the topic is discussed during the project development phase. From the company’s point of view, although these markets are a good addition, the investment decision should not be based solely on them.
“The price optimisation we offer is a more reliable way of looking at the profitability of an investment. We implement price optimisation for all electric boiler projects,” says Lampio.
“Ensuring the end customer’s demand for steam in all situations is at the core of Auris Energia’s service. The electric boiler supplied by Höyrytys supports this demand while offering both cost and emission savings,” says Mika Kannisto, Key Account Manager at Auris Energia.
The project involved collaboration on the Group level, as the project’s electrical design and installations were handled by Sakutek Oy, a sister company to Höyrytys. The steam centre was handed over to Auris Energia in spring 2024.
Further information
Essi Melanen, Project Manager, Höyrytys Oy, t. +358 10 417 4656
Risto Nupponen, CEO, Höyrytys Oy, t. +358 10 417 4610
Mika Kannisto, Key Account Manager, Auris Energia, t. +358 50 360 0196
Image: Auris Energia
