Reka Rubber invests in energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction at Aura plant

Reka Rubber, a subsidiary of Reka Industrial, has launched an energy project to improve the energy efficiency of the Aura factory and convert the energy used in the steam-based production processes into CO2-free energy. The energy used in other production processes at the Aura plant has already been CO2-free in the past.

The solution is based on Elstor Oy’s Thermal Energy Storage technology, which converts and stores electrical energy into heat. The stored thermal energy is converted into steam at the desired time. The Elstor system acts as an energy store, automatically optimising its charging to the lowest cost hours of the day. Reka Rubber uses only CO2-free electricity to charge the battery. Elstor’s solution reduces CO2 emissions from Reka Rubbers processes by an estimated 500,000 kg per year.

“We at the Elstor team are very pleased with this 10th supply contract for the company, which is also our first contract in the chemical industry sector,” says Kari Suninen, CEO of Elstor Oy.

The Thermal Energy Storage solution will enable Reka Rubber to completely eliminate the use of oil in its production processes at the Aura plant, and the energy storage will also serve as the plant’s primary source of heating energy. After commissioning, it will be clear whether other forms of energy are needed to heat the buildings in addition to the 5 MWh energy storage system.

The total investment in the energy project is approximately EUR 1.35 million and Business Finland has granted a 20% energy subsidy. In addition to the Thermal Energy Storage, the investment includes the construction of the foundations for the storage, the replacement of the steam piping and upgrading of the control system, and the installation of the necessary connections to the Thermal Energy Storage.

Reka Rubber Oy and Elstor Oy have signed a contract for the Thermal Energy Storage solution on 3rd February 2025. Preparations will start during the current year and the new storage system installation will be commissioned early next year.

“Reka Rubber is reducing its carbon footprint. Elstor’s thermal battery solution for the steam production at the Aura plant is a big and meaningful investment in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly production for us,” says Sari Tulander, CEO.