Valmet brings its expertise to a Finnish innovation program aiming at energy system flexibility

Valmet Corporation's trade press release on November 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. EET

Valmet brings its process control expertise to the FLEX^e (Flexible Energy Systems) program coordinated by CLIC Innovation, a new open innovation cluster in Finland. The program creates novel technological and business concepts that enhance the transition from current energy systems towards sustainable systems that combine smartness, flexibility, environmental performance and economic success.

There are 17 companies and 10 research institutions or universities participating in the program. The participants cover a broad spectrum of competences and the whole value chain in the energy system.

"Valmet's focus is on studies related to the optimal operation and control strategies of power plants in a new flexible operating environment. We assess current plant flexibility capabilities and limitations by means of advanced controls," says Maria Nurmoranta, Power Automation Development Manager from Valmet.

Additionally, Valmet studies the control potential and restrictions of the district heating networks as part of the future energy system. "Combined heat and power plants are an important link between the heat networks and the electricity grid. System level flexibility can be increased by developing plant level and heat network control solutions to work seamlessly," Nurmoranta adds.

The FLEX^e program started on January 1, 2015 and will end on April 30, 2016.

According to Maria Nurmoranta, Development Manager, Power Automation Development, Valmet's focus in the FLEX^e (Flexible Energy Systems) program is on studies related to the optimal operation and control strategies of power plants in a new flexible operating environment.

Information about CLIC Innovation

CLIC Innovation Oy was founded in September 2015 through the merger of CLEEN Oy (Cluster for Energy and Environment in Finland) and Finnish Bioeconomy Cluster FIBIC Oy. The non-profit company is owned by 30 companies and 17 universities and research institutes. Valmet is one of the owners.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Maria Nurmoranta, Development Manager, Power Automation Development, Automation business line, Valmet, Tel. +358 40 572 7299

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Valmet's vision is to become the global champion in serving its customers.

Valmet's services cover everything from maintenance outsourcing to mill and plant improvements and spare parts. The strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bio-energy production. Valmet's advanced automation solutions range from single measurements to mill wide turnkey automation projects.

Valmet's net sales in 2014 were approximately EUR 2.5 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.