Saarioinen switches to zero-emission steam production in Valkeakoski with an innovative solution from Elstor

Energy storage for steam production

Elstor will supply Saarioinen with an innovative energy storage system that will enable industrial steam and heat production without fossil fuels. The aim is that by summer 2025, Saarioinen’s Valkeakoski pizza factory will be using this new energy solution. The high-temperature energy storage facility will use low-cost renewable energy, store it efficiently and release it in the form of steam for the production process. This advance supports Saarioinen’s goal of carbon neutral production and is a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

With the new technology, Saarioinen produces more than 10 000 MWh of steam annually, reducing its direct carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2 300 tonnes per year. The amount of energy produced annually is equivalent to the energy consumption of about 700 electrically heated detached houses* and the emission reduction is equivalent to about 12 000 round trips from Hanko to Nuorgam**.

Step towards zero-emission production

“Saarioinen is committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions and developing its production processes to be more environmentally friendly. The introduction of the new Elstor equipment is an important step for us towards emission-free production and will reduce the use of fossil fuels at our Valkeakoski plant by around 85%. We are proud to be pioneers in our field and to show the way to other companies,” says Jari Savolainen, Saarioinen’s Technical Manager. 

Kari Suninen, Managing Director of Elstor Oy, is equally excited about the collaboration: ‘We have developed the Elstor energy storage for just such needs. It’s great to see how our solution can support large players like Saarioinen in their sustainability goals. This project puts into practice how our technology can significantly reduce industrial emissions while at the same time making energy use more efficient.”

*estimate based on an annual consumption of approximately 15 000 kWh of electrical energy

** based on first registered passenger cars in 2023 (average carbon emissions 64.4 g/km, source: Traficom).

For more information:

Anu Lempinen

Director, Production and Logistics, Saarioinen Oy

Phone: 050 517 0179

E-mail: anu.lempinen@saarioinen.fi

Kari Suninen

CEO, Elstor Oy

Tel: 040 558 3706

E-mail: kari.suninen@elstor.fi

Saarioinen Oy

Saarioinen is a Finnish family-owned company and a leading prepared food company with a turnover of approximately EUR 270 million. We are based in Saarioinen Manor, Sahalahti, Kangasala. In addition, Saarioinen’s delicious food is made in Valkeakoski and Huittinen, as well as in Rapla, Estonia, by a total of about 1 200 Saarioinen employees. Saarioinen cherishes tradition while constantly developing new things together with Finns. Food made by mothers since 1957. www.saarioinen.fi

Elstor Oy

Elstor Oy is a Finnish company that develops and supplies innovative energy storage solutions for industry. Elstor focuses in particular on high temperature energy storage systems that enable efficient and economically viable use of renewable energy and significantly reduce industrial emissions. www.elstor.fi