Valio makes all the processed cheese it sells in Finland at its Vantaa factory. AER (Auris Energiaratkaisut Oy) 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 emissions and help ensure our factory’s competitiveness,” says Valio Energy Manager Peter Fabritius. “When electricity prices are low, our steam will be produced mainly with electricity, and when they are high, production will focus on gas.”
Switching between gas and electricity protects against price spikes
“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,” says AER CEO Perttu Lahtinen.
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 already meets future requirements. Continuous monitoring and optimisation of energy production will steadily reduce steam production emissions while improving cost efficiency,” Lahtinen continues.
Valio’s factory demonstrates the benefits of AER’s turnkey service
In the food industry, a reliable supply of steam, meaning high availability, is extremely important. Steam production must also be energy-efficient and cost-effective.
As with its other industrial customers, AER 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 services meet and exceed their targets.”
In the main photo, from left: Auris Energiaratkaisut CEO Perttu Lahtinen, Project Manager Henrik Palmén and Valio Energy Manager Peter Fabritius. The second photo shows AER Project Manager Henrik Palmén. Further information: Perttu Lahtinen, CEO, Auris Energiaratkaisut Oy, tel. 040 771 8908, perttu.lahtinen@aurisenergiaratkaisut.fi