Ubitec Oy has been selected as the partner for Valmet Technologies Oy in converting a coal-fired district heating boiler into a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler at Helen Oy’s Salmisaaari A heating plant in Helsinki. The conversion will make it possible to increase the use of renewable fuels in the production of district heat, thereby supporting Helen’s green transition goals.  

Ubitec’s share of the project includes process and building electrification, as well as instrumentation installations as part of Valmet’s overall delivery, which covers the conversion of the boiler plant and the construction of the flue gas heat recovery process. 

“Our share includes all work related to electrification and the installation of instrumentation and automation systems,” says Leo Nokelainen, Managing Director of Ubitec. 

In the project, the old coal-fired boiler and related technology will mainly be dismantled and new systems installed inside the existing building. The scale of the project is significant for Ubitec and will employ around 30 people in different work phases. 

Modernisa­tions support carbon neutral goals  

Ubitec has implemented similar deliveries in the past, both for new boiler plants and for similar types of conversions. The company has been operating as a subcontractor of Valmet for several years.  

“Our mutual understanding of each other’s operating methods that has been established through our long-term collaboration is a key element in our new cooperation projects. Solid experience and know-how in boiler plant installations and modernisation projects are also our strengths in this type of project,” says Nokelainen.  

Helen’s district heating boiler conversion project will increase the use of bioenergy by replacing coal with pellets. 

“It is important for us to be involved in projects where we can contribute to carbon neutrality goals. This project is a good example of the transition to clean energy production,” Nokelainen adds. 

Helen Oy’s Salmisaaari A heating plant in Helsinki. Image: Helen Oy  

More information 

Leo Nokelainen, CEO, Ubitec Oy, p. 040 575 0607.