Valio
Electrifying steam production and optimising energy prices
Electric and gas boilers alternate according to prices
Auris has been the energy partner for Valio’s Vantaa factory, supplying steam and heat for processed cheese production as a service. This reference describes the solution introduced in 2022 and its subsequent development.
In early 2022, we also began producing steam with a 2.5 MW electric boiler. The existing natural gas boiler was retained alongside it for demand peaks and periods when electricity costs more than gas.
“In autumn 2022, we reduced the factory’s energy costs by 30% compared with using gas alone, and by 35% compared with operating solely on electricity.”
Perttu Lahtinen, Deputy CEO, Auris Energia
Alternating between gas and electricity
“Valio was among the first to seek genuine market flexibility in steam production. The solution brings Valio cost savings and is also beneficial for the electricity market.”
Perttu Lahtinen
When electricity is expensive, production can switch to gas. This allows the factory’s electricity consumption to be reduced during periods of high demand.
“By optimising energy use, we reduce CO2 emissions and safeguard our factory’s competitiveness. When electricity prices are low, our steam is produced mainly with electricity; when prices are high, production shifts towards gas.”
Peter Fabritius, Energy Manager, Valio
A cloud-based application controls the boilers
An intelligent cloud-based application controls the steam boilers. It forecasts the factory’s energy requirements and guides the reservation and purchase of the appropriate amount of electricity.
The electric boiler produces the steam and heat the factory needs. Boiler operation is controlled according to energy prices and the factory’s requirements.
A turnkey service
A reliable steam supply is vital in food manufacturing, and production processes need to be energy- and cost-efficient.
We supply heat and steam to Valio as a turnkey service. We are responsible for remote control, operation, maintenance and efficiency optimisation, allowing Valio’s staff to focus on their own work.
Flexibility for electricity reserve markets
The partnership continued with further development of energy production control. An article published in 2025 describes Valio’s participation in Fingrid’s reserve markets together with Auris.
Read about Valio’s reserve market partnership
