Halton Oy and Auris Energy have signed an agreement to electrify heat production at Halton’s Kausala factory and improve the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of its energy use. Auris will build a new hybrid energy system at the factory, centred on air-to-water heat pumps, an electric boiler and intelligent energy optimisation.
Towards emission-free production
Halton’s Kausala factory has already been using biogas for heat production. The new system will also make it possible to produce heat entirely without combustion.
The system centres on air-to-water heat pumps that use outdoor air and an electric boiler, which together enable clean, energy-efficient heat production. Some of the existing gas boilers will remain as backup.
“With the new solution, we are moving to production in Kausala where heat no longer needs to be generated through combustion at all,” Halton’s Production Director Kaisa Säde explains.
Auris produces around 1,900 MWh of renewable energy a year at Halton’s Kausala factory.
“We want to make responsible energy choices that are sustainable in the long term. This cooperation provides tangible support for our climate targets and takes us to the next level – completely clean heat production,” Säde says.
“This is an excellent example of how sustainable development targets are a strategic choice for us. The project is in line with our recently prepared climate transition plan and supports the achievement of our science-based emissions reduction targets. We are committed to these targets, and this takes us another step closer to achieving them while reinforcing our determined progress towards net zero,” Halton Group’s Director of Sustainability and Strategy Riikka Paarma says.
The new system centres on heat pumps that use outdoor air as their energy source. An electric boiler will also be introduced, and some of the existing gas boilers will remain as backup. The system will always produce heat using whichever energy source, biogas or electricity, is most economical at the time.
Responsible energy – cost-effectively
Auris is responsible for the design, investment, installation and long-term operation of the new system under a 20-year service agreement. The upgrade will deliver significant immediate benefits for Halton:
- The amount of purchased energy will fall by up to 50%
- Long-term cost savings through optimised energy production.
- The opportunity to participate in electricity reserve markets, providing a wider benefit to the energy system
The solution is not only a step towards energy efficiency, but also a significant climate action.
“It is important for us to act responsibly and proactively, both environmentally and commercially. Auris’s service model allows us to benefit from new technology without substantial upfront investment. At the same time, it gives us predictability in energy pricing and reliability of supply,” Säde explains.
“We combine technology neutrality, cost-effectiveness and emissions reductions as a service – with minimal effort for the customer,” the Managing Director of Auris Energy’s energy services business Perttu Lahtinen says.
Further information:
Halton Oy – Kaisa Säde, Production Director, kaisa.sade@halton.com
Auris Energy – Perttu Lahtinen, Managing Director, perttu.lahtinen@aurisenergia.fi