Unique automation modernization concept for any power plant

Control system retrofit with Valmet DNA DCS

Valmet’s innovative retrofit concept enables seamless upgrades to existing power plant control systems. By replacing outdated or underperforming systems with a modern, transparent automation solution, plants can benefit from the latest intelligent automation features. These advancements enhance performance, reliability, availability, and energy efficiency while also extending the plant’s lifecycle.

Optimized control of all plant processes

Improved profitability with increased production quality and capacity

Energy, raw material and fuel cost savings

Minimized unplanned shutdowns and enhanced safety

Modern and user-friendly

Valmet DNA is more than a traditional automation solution - it’s a comprehensive platform that enhances control system capabilities with advanced features and tools. It provides technical descriptions, interlocking visuals, trend analysis, troubleshooting, and effortless reporting and documentation.

Our unique, easy-to-implement retrofit concept allows power plants to retain existing components, such as field cables and cabinets, reducing costs and downtime. Additionally, it simplifies operations by consolidating standalone PLCs and other black boxes into a single, open DCS. The result is a modern, user-friendly, and transparent control system that outperforms traditional automation solutions.

Customer-centric approach

Modernizing power plant automation isn’t just about upgrading technology - it’s about enhancing efficiency, reliability, and availability. With decades of expertise in automation retrofits, Valmet helps power plants modernize seamlessly, maximizing performance while minimizing disruptions.

Valmet’s flexible retrofit solutions are customized to meet the unique needs of each customer and project. But our standard retrofit delivery includes a seamless migration process, covering all key components, automation updates, basic engineering, installations, and process support.

Retrofitting power plants with Valmet DNA

Upgrading an existing automation system with Valmet DNA offers a straightforward and effective way to significantly enhance a power plant’s overall efficiency.

By replacing an outdated control system with modern Valmet DNA Distributed Control System at its AK1 boiler plant, Alholmens Kraft has boosted availability, efficiency, troubleshooting capabilities and boiler flexibility. Read the full story to learn how Valmet’s expertise in retrofits helps power plants operate at their best.

ESE-Energia’s CHP plant in Mikkeli, Finland, will implement the Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System to replace an obsolete third-party system. The upgrade will optimize control of three boilers, district heating, electric boiler, and fuel reception, improving availability and efficiency. Learn more about the comprehensive delivery.

The automation retrofit had to take place during the mill’s shutdown. Otherwise, it would have caused a lot of trouble for the pulping process. Everything flowed like a movie script. All sequences functioned correctly on the first try, even though operating the feedwater plant is a complicated process.”

Tony Oikari, Process Engineer at Alholmens Kraft

Based on my experiences in previous roles at power plants and industry, I have found that Valmet’s automation system is one of the best in terms of functionality. About two years ago, we began investigating the features and user experiences of various automation systems for a power plant of a similar scale to the Pursiala plant. After a thorough evaluation, we concluded that the automation system offered by Valmet is the most advanced and reliable solution for our Pursiala power plant.”

Mikko Turunen, Operations Manager at ESE-Energia Oy

DCS migration and upgrade

Valmet DNA Distributed Control System

Automation solutions and services for energy

Ready to boost your power plant’s efficiency? Contact us today to learn more about our automation retrofit solutions.

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Latest energy automation news

Date	Type	Heading
Apr 2, 2025	Releases	Valmet to upgrade automation at ESE-Energia Oy’s Pursiala power plant in Finland
Feb 19, 2025	Releases	Valmet to retrofit automation at KSS Energia’s Verla 2 hydropower plant in Finland
Oct 22, 2024	Releases	Valmet’s performance solution to optimize district heat production of Oulun Energia Oy in Finland
Sep 11, 2024	Releases	Valmet retrofits turbine automation systems and training simulator at Fortum’s nuclear power plant in Loviisa, Finland
May 28, 2024	Releases	Valmet DNA Automation technology to the world’s largest data center excess heat recovery project in Finland
Apr 9, 2024	Releases	Valmet reaches a significant milestone for automation systems business by launching Valmet DNAe, the next generation Distributed Control System
Apr 3, 2024	Releases	Valmet to deliver steam turbine automation to Energie AG in Austria
Mar 26, 2024	Releases	Valmet to deliver a Valmet DNA Automation System to Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant in Northwich, the United Kingdom
Nov 23, 2023	Releases	Valmet to deliver a steam turbine automation system replacement to Härnösand Energi & Miljö AB in Härnösand, Sweden
Sep 29, 2023	Releases	Valmet to deliver a Valmet DNA Automation System to Finland’s first synchronous condenser plant implemented by Destia
Jun 27, 2023	Releases	Valmet to supply automation to enfinium’s energy-from-waste project in Sandwell and Dudley in the UK
Jun 20, 2023	Releases	Valmet receives the 19th order from Hitachi Zosen Inova – now for Indaver Rivenhall Ltd’s energy-from-waste plant in Essex, the UK

Automation retrofit success stories

Power plant automation retrofit: a change for the better

By replacing an outdated control system with modern Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS) at its AK1 boiler plant, Alholmens Kraft has boosted availability, efficiency, troubleshooting capabilities and boiler flexibility.

Valmet to update power plant automation at Stora Enso Imatra Mills in Imatra, Finland

The power plant and its auxiliary systems are essential to ensuring the smooth running of mill operations, making it crucial that the automation system functions reliably.

Valmet to deliver an automation system replacement to Fortum’s heating plant in Espoo, Finland

As the Kaupunginkallio heating plant produces heat to the local district heat network during the coldest winter months, it is important that the plant’s automation system features high availability.

LondonWaste Ltd. chooses Valmet for energy-from-waste control system migration project

As one of London’s original generators of electricity from waste, LondonWaste Ltd. consistently updates, evaluates and maintains its technological efficiency. To maintain technological updates for the energy-from-waste facility and for its control system, LondonWaste Ltd. assigned Valmet to deliver the conversion project.

Higher-level central control boosts hydropower production

PVO-Vesivoima operates its hydropower plants in Finland more efficiently thanks to a Valmet DNA SCADA central control system. A vast amount of data from the process and external sources enables the company to meet future challenges.

Modernization of the gas turbine control system at K+S Kali GmbH in Germany

The company K+S KALI GmbH is one of the leading producers of potassium and magnesium salts worldwide with six manufacturing plants in Germany.

SEVO says goodbye to its automation from the 80s

Vaskiluodon Voima’s Seinäjoki CHP power plant, SEVO, replaced its original systems with Valmet’s latest automation technology.

Radial steam turbines now in total control

E.ON’s Heleneholmsverket CHP plant in Malmö, Sweden, was able to increase the safety and reliability of its two radial steam turbines through a multi-stage automation and hydraulics retrofit project with Valmet.

Not just automation, electrification, too

The nearly 60-year-old KSS Energia’s Siikakoski hydro power plant in southeastern Finland now runs more efficiently thanks to more measurements, more data and better control. In addition to automation, Valmet’s delivery included electrification, too.

GE Frame 6 automation retrofit at Lahti Energy

Higher reliability and a deeper view into the process – that’s definitely what Lahti Energy got when Valmet delivered a demanding automation retrofit to the company’s GE Frame 6 gas turbine. Unlike before, a massive amount of information is now available to all involved in the process, enabling continuous follow-up and proactive measures.

BKK Varme - Steam turbine automation retrofit increases reliability

BKK Varme is the largest energy company in western Norway. At its incineration plant in Rådalen, Fana, the company is responsible for waste handling from about 320,000 inhabitants in the local municipalities. To replace the outdated PLC system, Valmet’s steam turbine automation has been taking in use.

Outdated technology replaced with Valmet turbine automation

The Kotkan Energia power plant in Hovinsaari invests in the future. Its outdated turbine automation was replaced with a solution supplied by Valmet. User experiences have been positive and more information has been gained on the state of the turbine.