Customer case: Saarioinen

Customer Case: Saarioinen Modernized Steam Production at Its Valkeakoski Plant

When Saarioinen began planning the modernization of its steam production system, the objective was clear: to find a cost-effective, carbon-free replacement solution that would support the company’s sustainability goals. The new unit has been in operation since October 2025, and the old system was fully decommissioned six weeks ago.

The investment decision required careful consideration of the entire system. In addition to emissions and cost efficiency, Saarioinen evaluated operational reliability, the management of disruption risks and the continuity of production.

After reviewing the available alternatives, Saarioinen selected Elstor Oy’s steam generation unit based on thermal energy storage technology. Saarioinen Valkeakoski factory has 20 MWh high temperature Elstor energy storage with annual emission reduction of over 2300 tonnes and produces approximately 10,000 MWh of steam energy per year. In its power class, this 20 MWh storage system ranks among the world’s leading solutions: 3.2 MW charging capacity, 4.0 MW discharge capacity, and an exceptionally high discharge power-to-storage capacity ratio.

“We recognized the technical advantages of Elstor Oy’s solution and concluded that it was the best option for our needs.” -Jari Savolainen, Technical Manager at Saarioinen

The installation, commissioning and operation of the system have proceeded without any issues. From the steam user’s perspective, very little has changed in the plant’s day-to-day operations. Steam remains readily available for production, while natural gas has been replaced with electricity backed by guarantees of origin.

Since commissioning, the equipment has operated reliably, enabling the plant to significantly reduce its emissions without the need for a parallel backup plant.

The cooperation between Saarioinen and Elstor Oy has also been characterized by flexibility and a shared commitment to finding the best practical solutions.

“Elstor Oy represents Finnish engineering expertise at its best. It is a young company that employs Finnish professionals and develops new, greener technology. Saarioinen is proud to be part of Elstor Oy’s story.” – Jari Savolainen, Technical Manager at Saarioinen

We are extremely happy with our cooperation and proud to support Saarioinen in modernizing its industrial steam production without requiring major changes to the plant’s day-to-day processes.