Kaukaan Voima Oy’s bio powerplant

The biopower plant operated by Kaukaan Voima Oy generates steam for the Kaukaa factories. In addition, it supplies Lappeenrannan Energia with district heat and electricity. The plant is connected to the UPM steam network and helps to ensure a sufficient supply of steam to the industrial area. It also covers approximately 85% of Lappeenranta's district heating demands.

The production capacity of Kaukaan Voima is 125 MW of electricity, 152 MW of process steam and 110 MW of district heat.

The fuel used in the plant consists of forest industry by-products (bark and sawdust), wood energy (tree stumps and logging residues) and peat. In addition, natural gas and light fuel oil are used as backup and start-up fuels. Biofuels cover approximately 80% of the plant’s annual fuel demand, with around half of those being leftover materials from the on-site factories.

The plant’s emissions are continually measured and controlled by two electric filters and ammonia injections. If necessary, lime can be added to the boiler. All ash resulting from the burning process is used in earthworks or forest fertilisation.

In operation since 2009

Kaukaan Voima Oy’s biopower plant was commissioned in late 2009. It is situated on the UPM premises, in the Kaukas industrial area, and is maintained by UPM staff. Kaukaan Voima is jointly owned by Pohjolan Voima Oy (54%) and Lappeenrannan Energia Oy (46%).