Another Gas Engine Power Plant Under Construction: Vaasan Sähkö’s Share Nearly 50%

The plant to be built in Lappeenranta will bring much-needed flexibility to the energy system.

As part of a joint project led by EPV Energy, Vaasan Sähkö is investing in a new gas engine power plant in Lappeenranta. The facility will enable electricity production to be increased rapidly during various disruptions and difficult-to-predict weather conditions.

The gas engine power plant will have an estimated total capacity of 40–45 megawatts, matching the output of the plant in Tornio that began commercial operations this spring. In the Tornio project, Vaasan Sähkö’s share exceeds 50 percent.

“Vaasan Sähkö is the largest owner in both of these projects,” says Hans-Alexander Öst, Director responsible for the company’s electricity generation.

Vaasan Sähkö has consistently emphasized the importance of balancing power in today’s energy system, where renewable energy plays a major role.

Gas engine power plants are solutions that provide the electricity market with much-needed flexibility and balancing capability, while also helping to improve the reliability of the energy system in the most challenging situations.

“The share of weather-dependent energy production has increased dramatically and now plays a significant role in the electricity market.

“A gas engine power plant helps secure electricity supply during various disruptions and when the availability of weather-dependent energy fluctuates. It can also help smooth out price volatility in the market.”

“The plant can be started up quickly, making it particularly well suited for balancing and supporting the power balance of the electricity system,” Öst concludes.

Initially, the power plant will use natural gas as its fuel. The goal is to gradually transition to biogas and synthetic renewable gases as the market and availability of these fuels continue to grow.