Valio makes all the processed cheese it sells in Finland at its Vantaa factory. Auris Energiaratkaisut Oy (AER) has long been the factory’s heating partner, supplying all the steam and heat it needs as a gas-based service.
In early 2022, AER will also start producing steam for Valio’s factory with a 2.5 MW electric boiler.
“This solution will reduce CO2-related emissions and help ensure our factory’s competitiveness,” Valio Energy Manager Peter Fabritius explains. “When electricity prices are low, our steam will be produced mainly with electricity, and when they are high, production will focus on gas.”
“Valio is among the first to seek genuine market flexibility in steam production. The solution will save Valio money, but it is also beneficial for the electricity market,” AER CEO Perttu Lahtinen says. “When electricity prices are high and supply is tight, Valio’s switch to gas reduces overall electricity demand. This in turn has a downward effect on electricity market prices.”
“Valio’s choice is a good example of a solution that adds value for the customer and already meets future requirements,” Lahtinen continues.
Turnkey service ensures high efficiency
In the food industry, steam availability, meaning high reliability, is extremely important. The steam production process must also be energy-efficient and cost-effective.
As with its other industrial customers, Auris Energiaratkaisut supplies heat and steam to Valio as a turnkey service, allowing the customer to focus on its own business rather than managing energy production. AER’s comprehensive energy solution service covers the entire life cycle from design to maintenance, enabling high efficiency.
“Our digitally enabled service automatically optimises energy production hour by hour to keep efficiency and cost-effectiveness as high as possible for the customer at all times,” Lahtinen explains. “We ensure that our energy production solutions meet and exceed their targets.”
Further information:
Pictured from left: Auris Energiaratkaisut CEO Perttu Lahtinen, Project Manager Henrik Palmén and Valio Energy Manager Peter Fabritius.
Perttu Lahtinen, CEO, Auris Energiaratkaisut Oy, perttu.lahtinen@aurisenergiaratkaisut.fi
Peter Fabritius, Energy Manager, Valio Oy, peter.fabritius@valio.fi