Wärtsilä, the Finnish engineering giant, is set to build a new engine-driven power plant alongside Tornion Voima, a subsidiary of EPV Energy. This ambitious project, located at the Röyttä factory area in Tornio, will have a total capacity of 43 megawatts, making it Finland's first power plant poised to provide balancing capacity to the national electricity system.
Scheduled for completion by February 2026, construction for the power plant will kick off this autumn. The engine power plant aims to bolster Finland's electricity production capabilities, particularly during disturbances caused by varying weather conditions. With natural gas designated as the primary fuel during the initial operational phase, the plant is geared up to offer flexible responses to power demands.
Wärtsilä's involvement is pivotal; the company will oversee the construction from spring 2025 until the facility is fully operational. This step is timely, as Finland strives to increase its share of renewable energy, which currently stands at over 40% of total energy consumption. The government aims to advance this figure to 50% within the decade.
According to Kenneth Engblom, Vice President for Africa and Europe at Wärtsilä Energy, "The availability of wind and solar power varies by nature, and ensuring availability even during cloudy and low-wind weather requires flexible and reliable electricity production capacity. For this, a modern engine power plant is the best option." This statement highlights the importance of having dependable energy sources to support Finland’s increasing reliance on renewables.
The new power plant will play a significant role not just as backup power, but also as part of an integrated system aimed at cementing Finland’s position as one of the world's leaders in renewable energy usage. The Finnish energy system modelling published by Wärtsilä suggests leveraging additional capacity could even allow electricity users across Finland to save up to 1.3 billion euros annually by 2030.
The existing regional gas infrastructure will aid the commissioning of the power plant, paving the way for future transitions to more sustainable fuels. Wärtsilä’s engines are already compatible with these greener alternatives and will adopt them as they become more widely available.
Construction of this facility arrives at a moment when Finland’s energy infrastructure is under scrutiny for its ability to meet growing demands and sustainability targets. The design and adaptability of the new engine power plant promise to address the challenges posed by fluctuitating renewable energy production effectively.
From the perspective of energy economics, flexible generation methods like those employed by Wärtsilä are becoming increasingly necessary. These innovations not only help stabilize energy supply but also present significant economic opportunities for consumers as well.
With its strategic implementation, the engine power plant will contribute to the smooth integration of renewable energy sources, thereby affirming Finland's commitment to achieving its climate goals and fostering long-term energy security.
Overall, the development spearheaded by Wärtsilä and Tornion Voima stands as a promising step toward enhancing the reliability of Finland's energy grid and achieving greater sustainability through modern technology.
