Reka Rubber

Reka Industrial’s subsidiary Reka Rubber has launched an energy project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of its Aura plant and ensuring that the energy used in steam-based production processes is obtained…

The decision to choose our solution was also driven by a combination of strategic and practical factors. First, the fact that we already have installations in Finland demonstrated that the technology works in real industrial environments. Second, the profitability of the overall investment was clear: in a thorough financial assessment, our solution stood out as a cost-effective alternative. A third important factor was ease of use and the plug-and-play nature of the solution. Our system does not require complex on-site power plant infrastructure, making it easy to integrate into their existing operations. Finally, their sustainability objectives played a key role in their decision.

Reka Industrial’s subsidiary Reka Kumi has launched an energy project to improve the energy efficiency of its Aura plant and convert the energy used in steam-powered production processes to CO₂-free energy. The energy used in the Aura plant’s other production processes has already been CO₂-free.

The solution is based on Elstor Oy’s thermal battery technology, in which electrical energy is converted and stored as heat. The stored thermal energy is then converted into steam at the desired time. The Elstor thermal battery functions as an energy storage system, with charging automatically optimized for the lowest-cost hours of the day. Reka Kumi will use only CO₂-free electricity to charge the battery. Elstor’s solution is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions from Reka Kumi’s processes by approximately 500,000 kg annually.

“We at the Elstor team are very pleased with this delivery agreement, the company’s 10th to date, which is also our first agreement in the chemical industry sector,” says Kari Suninen, CEO of Elstor Oy.

With the thermal battery solution, Reka Kumi will be able to completely eliminate the use of oil in the production processes at its Aura plant. The thermal battery will also serve as the plant’s primary source of heating energy. After commissioning, it will become clear whether any additional energy sources will be needed for heating the buildings alongside the selected thermal battery, which has a storage capacity of 5 MWh.

The total investment in the energy project is approximately EUR 1.35 million, and Business Finland has granted the project 20% energy aid. In addition to the thermal battery, the investment includes, among other things, construction of the foundations for the thermal battery, renewal of the steam pipeline, updates to the control system, and the installation of the necessary connections to the thermal battery building.

Reka Kumi Oy and Elstor Oy signed an agreement on the thermal battery solution on 3 February 2025. Preparations will begin during the current year, and the new thermal battery equipment will be commissioned in the first half of next year.

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

Reka Kumi has set emissions targets for itself, and Elstor Oy will support the company in achieving them.

“Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2040. We have a plan to get there, and transitioning to Elstor’s solution is a significant step towards that target,” says Plant Manager Jukka-Pekka Sollo.