Pursiala CHP plant to get Valmet automation upgrade
Global forest industry and energy technology provider Valmet Oyj has announced that it will supply its Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System to compatriot regional energy company ESE-Energia Oy's (ESE) Pursiala combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Mikkeli, Finland. 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 new automation system, the value of which has not been disclosed, will replace an obsolete third-party system on the site. The system will be commissioned in spring 2026 and taken over by the customer in autumn 2026.
According to Valmet, the new system will ensure high availability and deliver advanced process controls, enhancing performance and reliability.
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, said Mikko Turunen, Operations Manager at ESE-Energia.
Comprehensive package
The delivery includes the Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System for controlling and monitoring two main boilers – a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) and a bubbling fluidized bed (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.
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, said Pasi Voutilainen, Sales Director, Automation Systems business line, Valmet.
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