The world’s first 20 MWh Elstor thermal storage system commissioned at Saarioinen Valkeakoski plant – the plant’s steam production is now fully carbon neutral

The world’s first Elstor high-temperature thermal storage system with a storage capacity of 20 MWh has been commissioned at Saarioinen Valkeakoski plant for steam production. The new system replaces natural gas in steam generation – placing Saarioinen among the global pioneers.

This is Elstor’s sixth commercial commissioning. It is likely the largest total deployed number of high-temperature thermal storage systems from a single supplier anywhere in the world.

A sustainability action that shows up in the numbers

Saarioinen is one of Finland’s best-known food manufacturers, with responsibility and sustainable food solutions at the core of its operations. The introduction of Elstor’s thermal storage system directly supports these goals.

A single 20 MWh thermal storage unit produces approximately 10,000 MWh of steam energy per year – equivalent to the annual heating demand of around 1,000 detached houses. Direct CO₂ emissions are expected to decrease by more than 2,300 tonnes annually, corresponding to the yearly emissions of about 1,450 combustion-engine cars.

In its power category, this 20 MWh storage system is among the world’s best: 3.2 MW charging power, 4.0 MW discharging power, and an exceptionally high ratio of discharge power to storage capacity.

Finnish pioneering in a global transition

High-temperature thermal storages capable of replacing gas, oil, and other fuels in steam production are only just emerging on the market. In terms of deployed and commercially agreed systems, Elstor has become a leader in its field – possibly number one worldwide.

We are extremely proud of this, even though we are only at the beginning of our journey. Elstor was founded with a single goal: to make a significant climate impact with our technology – without increasing costs for customers. This project is precisely such a breakthrough.

Thank you Saarioinen – for courage and collaboration

Implementing new technology always requires vision and an open mind from the customer. Saarioinen has demonstrated a strong example of this.

A warm thank you to Saarioinen for the excellent cooperation and trust.

Further information:

Saarioinen Oy, Director of Production and Logistics, Anu Lempinen, tel. +358 50 517 0179, anu.lempinen@saarioinen.fi

Elstor Oy, CEO, Kari Suninen, tel. +358 40 558 3706, kari.suninen@elstor.fi