Valmet to upgrade automation at ESE-Energia Oy’s Pursiala power plant in Finland
Valmet Oyj trade press release, April 2, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. EEST
Valmet will supply the Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System to ESE-Energia’s combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Mikkeli, Finland. The new system will replace an obsolete third-party system on the site. As the main automation system, Valmet DNAe will control the power plant’s three boiler units (Pursiala 1 and 2 and the heating unit) as well as the district heating accumulator, electric boiler, and fuel reception. The system ensures high availability and delivers advanced process controls, enhancing performance and reliability.
The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the first quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will be commissioned in spring 2026 and taken over by the customer in autumn 2026.
”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,” says Mikko Turunen, Operations Manager at ESE-Energia Oy.
”We are proud to be modernizing the main automation system at the Pursiala power plant with Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System. Valmet’s strong references in power plant automation, extensive product and solution portfolio, and local service center convinced the customer to choose us. With Valmet DNAe and the comprehensive delivery scope, the customer will benefit from enhanced operational efficiency, reliability, and performance optimization for the plant,” says Pasi Voutilainen, Sales Director, Automation Systems business line, Valmet.
Valmet is to upgrade automation at ESE-Energia Oy’s Pursiala power plant in Finland. Photo: Kimmo Iso-Tuisku
Delivery’s technical information
The delivery includes the Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System for controlling and monitoring two main boilers (CFB and BFB), a hot-water boiler, an electric boiler, a district heating accumulator, and fuel reception. To ensure optimal power generation and emissions control, the delivery includes Valmet DNA Steam Turbine Automation and Valmet DNA Advanced Process Controls (APC) solutions. The entire plant's energy production is managed via the Valmet DNA Energy Management System. All safety-related systems are based on HIMA technology and integrated into the Valmet DNAe.
The power plant is controlled via the web-based Valmet DNAe User Interface, where UX design methods are used to develop the new control environment.
About the customer
ESE-Energia Oy (ESE) is a regional energy company based in Mikkeli, Finland, with a 125-year history. The company produces, sells, and distributes heat and electricity, serving approximately 2,500 district heating and 25,000 electricity distribution customers in the Mikkeli region. The Pursiala power plant produces approximately 100 GWh of electricity, 400 GWh of district heating, and 20 GWh of industrial steam annually, using energy wood (90%) and peat (10%) as fuels.
VALMET
Corporate Communications
For further information, please contact:
Pasi Voutilainen, Sales Director, Automation Systems business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 764 5914, pasi.voutilainen@valmet.com
Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries. We are a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. With our automation and flow control solutions, we serve an even broader base of process industries. Our more than 19,000 professionals worldwide work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.
The company has over 225 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement, sustainability, and renewal. Valmet’s net sales in 2024 were approximately EUR 5.4 billion.
Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki, and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.
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