“We have developed a long-term partnership with Valmet across our other hydropower plants. As Valmet has successfully retrofitted hydro turbine automation with Valmet DNA at our Siikakoski hydropower plant, we aimed to implement a similar solution for the Verla plant, too. A unified automation system across all sites, including engineering tools and data collection, ensures that only one system requires future upgrades,” says Jukka Rämä, Senior Vice President, Asset Management, KSS Energia.

“This hydro turbine automation delivery marks another significant step for Valmet in strengthening its position in Finland’s hydropower market. The previous projects between KSS Energia and Valmet have been highly successful, and the new case is expected to be another valuable step in our cooperation,” says Tom Bäckman, Sales Manager, Automation Systems business line, Valmet.

Originally built to meet the needs of the local wood processing industry, the Verla hydropower plant (Verla 1 and Verla 2) produces approximately 15,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. This is enough to power about 3,000 average households.

Delivery’s technical information

The delivery includes a Valmet DNA Hydro Turbine Automation that will be connected to the Hinkismäki power station. All KSS Energia hydropower plants are operated from a central control room managed by the Norwegian technology supplier Volue.

About the customer

KSS Energia Oy is a diversified Finnish energy group owned by the city of Kouvola. KSS Energia sells, distributes and produces energy, develops sustainable energy solutions and offers contracting services. The group's turnover in 2023 totaled EUR 197 million, and it employs nearly 250 energy experts.