Photo: Exilion

In Simo, Northern Ostrobothnia, one of Finland’s largest solar park projects is set to begin. The solar power plant, developed by Exilion, will have a capacity of 70 megawatts and an annual output of about 65,000 MWh, equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of roughly 26,000 two-room apartments in multi-story buildings. The project’s uniqueness is further emphasized by the completion of the solar power plant, which will form a hybrid power station together with Exilion’s existing wind turbines in Simo.

“Exilion’s project in Simo is among the first hybrid power stations in Finland, combining wind and solar power. The complementary production profiles of solar and wind, along with the management of energy storage’s adjustment capacity, effectively support each other,” evaluates Tommi Riski, Investment Manager at Exilion Management Oy.

The construction of the solar park is scheduled to start between March and April, with the completion expected in the second half of 2025. The investment is estimated to be around 40 million euros. Solarigo Systems Oy, a subsidiary of the Suur-Savo Sähkö group, has been tasked with the design and execution of the solar park’s construction under a turnkey contract and will take care of the park’s maintenance and operations after completion.

Fimpec has played a crucial role since the pre-construction phase and is responsible for the Owner’s Engineering tasks during the project’s execution phase

From the outset, Fimpec has been involved in the Simo solar power project, overseeing the procurement of transformers and substations, initiated even before the selection of the contractor. During the spring-starting execution phase, Fimpec will manage a comprehensive array of Owner’s Engineering tasks.

“Our role is to act in the best interest of the client, overseeing site supervision, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) management, and the overall project schedule in partnership with the client,” says Heikki Karjalainen, Fimpec’s Operative Director who is leading the project at Fimpec.

“For Exilion, it is crucial to have a competent Owner’s Engineering partner like Fimpec to ensure the safe and quality execution of the project. Fimpec was chosen for the Simo project because of its extensive expertise in construction management and the necessary procurement skills for a large-scale solar power project,” Riski states.

“This project is significant for Fimpec as it strengthens our expertise in renewable energy, particularly in industrial-scale solar power projects. It also offers us the opportunity to collaborate with a major investor in the sector, leveraging our advanced procurement, project management, and scheduling skills,” adds Jorma Paananen, Business Unit Director at Fimpec.

» For more information about the Simo solar power project, please visit Exilion’s website.

Contact Information:
Jorma Paananen, Business Unit Director, Fimpec
Phone: +358 400 347 373
Email: jorma.paananen@fimpec.com

Established in 2019, Exilion Tuuli is a Finnish investment company focusing on renewable energy production. With 13 wind parks under its belt, Exilion is keen on further investments in renewable energy in Finland. The company’s earnings are directed towards Finnish pensions. Exilion Tuuli is part of Exilion, a Finnish investment and asset management company owned by Keskinäinen Työeläkevakuutusyhtiö Elo, Eläkevakuutusosakeyhtiö Veritas, and the Åbo Akademi Foundation.

Image: Helen/Suomen Ilmakuva Oy

Helen has set a goal to become a carbon-neutral energy company by 2030. To increase carbon-neutral heat production, Helen is constructing an electric boiler solution with a district heating capacity of 140 MW at the Hanasaari heating plant.

The Hanasaari heating plant in Helsinki is a boiler plant built in 2008 with six oil boilers for peak load and reserve production of district heating. To increase sustainable energy production, three hot water electrode boilers with process auxiliary equipment will be installed in the boiler room of the heating plant.

The electric boiler project will utilize the existing district heating and electricity grid infrastructure in the area, as well as the 110 kV electricity grid connection and generator transformer released from the Hanasaari B power plant, which can be used for the electric boilers’ power supply.

The project commenced for Fimpec in April 2023. Fimpec acts as the main consultant in the project using the EPCM implementation method, and is responsible for engineering project management, procurement, and construction management.

Fimpec’s Business Unit Director Sami Nissinen praises the cooperation with Helen.

“We have collaborated with Helen before, but the EPCM implementation method was chosen as a new solution for the electric boiler project. The implementation method has enabled flexible solutions tailored to client’s needs, and we continue on the proven track in the project,” Nissinen says.

The goal of the electric boiler project is to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels and enable a more sustainable energy production in Finland.

“This cooperation also provides Fimpec with a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of Finnish energy production towards a clean transition,” Nissinen adds.

Facing the clean transition with new solutions

Fimpec has progressed to a full-time engineering phase in the project. Procurement services have been carried out in collaboration with Helen, and construction activities have begun.

“Helen perceives the EPCM implementation method as apt for the execution of projects of this nature. The basic and pre-engineering as well as procurement have progressed on schedule, and the construction site is also progressing accordingly,” says Helen’s Senior Project Manager Timo Saarnio.

“I feel that the energy expertise of Fimpec’s professionals and its ongoing development will facilitate our operations in similar projects in the future amidst this new era of energy transition,” Nissinen concludes.

The electric boiler project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

For more information:
Sami Nissinen
Business Unit Director
+358 40 348 5401
sami.nissinen(at)fimpec.com

Consistent with its strategy, Fimpec is investing in the rapidly evolving battery value chain market. A tangible step in this direction is the assembling of business related to the battery value chain and critical minerals into its own business unit, which commenced operations in January 2024. Batteries and Critical Minerals business unit offers comprehensive services to the mining industry and mineral processing.

“This is a rapidly growing market that we have decided to invest in. The electrification of the world will significantly increase activities related to the battery value chain in the future. We want to be involved in this development and contribute our expertise. Our strength lies in in-depth process knowledge and diverse experience in implementing various projects of all types and sizes,” states the newly appointed Business Unit Director, Sami Ström.

He further elaborates that Fimpec is capable of offering a wide range of services to the industry, starting from conceptual and feasibility studies to detail engineering as well as construction management and supervision services during project execution. The expertise of the new business unit is complemented extensively by the services of Fimpec Engineering and Fimpec PMO.

Fimpec already possesses expertise and experience related to the battery value chain and the mining industry. This expertise has been accumulated through engineering and project management projects in the mining industry. Several experts of the topic joined Fimpec as a result of the Chemitec acquisition in 2022.

“In addition, we have started recruitment, and we also have the expertise of our extensive network of partners. Our ambition is to grow strongly and quickly because the demand for services in this area is high, and we are able to meet it,” states Ström.

Sami Ström is a seasoned Fimpec professional

Sami Ström, the Business Unit Director of Batteries and Critical Minerals, has been with Fimpec since 2002. He has extensive experience in serving demanding, internationally operating industrial clients and leading process engineering services.

“I joined Fimpec, called CTS Engineering back then, in November 2002 as a process engineer. Since then, I have worked as a project engineer, project manager, sales manager, and most recently, before my current role, as the Head of Process Engineering. This diverse expertise is now intended to benefit the customers of our new business unit, together with our skilled team,” says Ström.

For more information:
Sami Ström,
Business Unit Director, Batteries and Critical Minerals
+358 40 596 5029
sami.strom(at)fimpec.com

Luis Rudolphy and Panu Rahikka

Fimpec visited the Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv, from January 10th to January 12th 2024, as part of Miltton’s business delegation. The purpose of the visit was to examine the potential for Finnish companies to engage in partnerships in Ukraine and to identify collaborative business models that would actively contribute to the country’s reconstruction.

During the three-day visit, Managing Director of Fimpec Consulting Oy Panu Rahikka and Fimpec Group’s Chief Sales Officer Luis Rudolphy, met with officials from the Ukrainian Ministries and Parliament, as well as representatives from the Kyiv region administration. They also engaged in discussions with local leading experts and representatives of Ukrainian companies. The reconstruction needs of Ukraine primarily focus on the energy, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, where Fimpec’s expertise and experience in clean energy transition generated significant interest.

“Despite the war, the city of Kyiv was vibrant, and the focus was strongly on the future. Ukraine aims for significant post-war economic growth, and in Finland, we have strong expertise to accelerate this. Investments are urgently needed in Ukraine, and we want to play a part in facilitating this,” says Panu Rahikka.

“We had the honor of meeting many local Ukrainian stakeholders and establish new connections with them. This is a great opportunity for us to deepen the collaboration between our countries and create conditions for new growth,” added Luis Rudolphy.

During the visit, Fimpec signed Memorandum of Understanding of cooperation with the Ukrainian company TPS Engineering for the joint development and implementation of energy and infrastructure projects in Ukraine. TPS Engineering is an engineering and design services company headquartered in the city of Kharkiv.

In the upcoming steps, Fimpec will continue active collaboration and dialogue with Ukrainian representatives and local stakeholders about future investments and projects.

More information:
Panu Rahikka
Managing Director, Fimpec Consulting Oy
+358 44 090 4266
panu.rahikka@fimpec.com

Luis Rudolphy
Chief Sales Officer, Fimpec Group
+358 40 197 2323
luis.rudolphy@fimpec.com

In lieu of distributing Christmas gifts to clients, Fimpec has decided to contribute 5,000 euros to charity, following the tradition of recent years. This year, the chosen beneficiary is the Good Holiday Spirit collection organized by the Finnish Red Cross, the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, and Yle, which aims to provide food gift cards to low-income families with children so they can purchase food for their Christmas table.

Gift cards worth 70 euros will be distributed to families with children residing in Finland. The recipient families of the gift cards are facing difficult situations due to factors such as unemployment, illness, excessive debt, low family income, or other crisis situations.

This year, the personnel chose the donation target through a collective vote, and individuals had the opportunity to openly justify their choice. Our staff felt that by participating in the Good Holiday Spirit collection, we can contribute to enabling the celebration of Christmas in homes where it might otherwise not be possible.

• “The good atmosphere of Christmas is influenced not only by being together but also by the Christmas offerings. Life is not fair for everyone in Finland; some have, and some do not. Much depends on the economy.”
• “There are plenty of low-income families and single parents. It’s nice to help them have a good time, even for Christmas.”
• “There are many low-income families in Finland, and they may not have the means to buy gifts for their children/Christmas food for Christmas. That’s why this cause is good.”
• “Christmas spirit is an important thing for the less fortunate as well.”
• “Especially during Christmas, we need good feelings in the world. I trust the activities of the Finnish Red Cross and the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare.”
• “All are good causes, but in many families with children in Finland, there is a modest Christmas coming, and that’s why this time the Good Christmas Spirit campaign is my choice.”
• “We are in a privileged position, and I want the funds to be directed to those families in our homeland who want to provide Christmas for their children, even if there are no financial prerequisites for it.”

We hope that the donation brings Christmas joy to those families who need it the most.

For more information:
Marketing and Communications Director Maiju Hirvikallio, Fimpec Group Oy
+358 50 560 9707, maiju.hirvikallio(a)fimpec.com

Fingrid has initiated the transfer project of backup power plants in Vaskiluoto and Tahkoluoto in collaboration with Fimpec for basic and procurement planning. These backup power plants ensure the uninterrupted operation of the electrical system, and the transfer of gas turbine units ensures their use throughout their lifecycle. The backup power plants in Vaskiluoto and Tahkoluoto will be relocated to the Huutokoski backup power plant in Joroinen, Northern Savonia. The Vaskiluoto backup power plant includes one 26-megawatt Frame 5 gas turbine unit, currently stored disassembled in Vaasa. The Tahkoluoto backup power plant in Pori consists of two 26-megawatt Frame 5 gas turbine units.

Optimal project scope

Fimpec has initiated the project in August 2023. In the first phase, Fimpec acts as the main contractor using a project management model covering project management services, as well as basic, procurement, and implementation planning services. The EPCM model, previously successfully implemented by Fimpec, ensures that projects can be initiated quickly by including both project management and design services.

Sami Nissinen, Fimpec’s Chief Operating Officer, describes the project as optimal for Fimpec.

“We have a long track record of delivering large-scale projects, but this is the first project of this scope with Fingrid This is an excellent opportunity for us to develop our services and operations in a customer-centric manner, so that the project collaboration is successful in the long run,” he explains.

Collaborative spirit right from the beginning

According to Nissinen, the project has progressed smoothly on schedule, and Fimpec’s way of working has proven to be rewarding in collaboration with Fingrid.

“Communication has worked well on both sides. Fingrid has been able to influence the project content, and Fimpec’s flexible service model has ensured lightweight and smooth decision-making. The produced material has been excellent, and procurement has started quickly. The collaborative spirit has been present from the beginning,” he describes.

“The EPCM consultant for the project was selected through a special sector-specific public procurement procedure. The selection was influenced not only by the price but also by Fimpec’s and the responsible persons’ good references. The collaboration with Fimpec has started well. Fimpec’s plans have been of high quality, and the responsible persons listen to Fingrid’s needs and take them into account very well. The discussion has been open and fruitful,” says Jarmo Hämäläinen, Fingrid’s project manager.

In the first phase, the EPCM agreement between Fimpec and Fingrid covers project management services, as well as basic, procurement, and implementation planning services. The second phase of the project is broader than the previous one and includes, in addition to project management services, also monitoring of deliveries and contracts, construction supervision services, quality assurance, safety and regulatory matters, site management, and site supervision, as well as commissioning services, where the consultant acts as the main contractor in accordance with the Government Decree on the Safety of Construction Work (VnA 205/2009).

The final investment decision on the continuation of the project will be made in the spring of 2024.

For more information:
Sami Nissinen, Head of Operations, Fimpec Energy Services
tel. +358 40 348 5401,  sami.nissinen(at)fimpec.com

Rebuild Ukraine is an international exhibition which gathers together Ukrainian authorities, local communities and businesses as well as international financial institutions and businesses interested in the reconstruction of the country. The event is held in Warsaw, Poland in November 14–15, 2023. Fimpec will join the event as part of Business Finland’s business delegate.

“It is very important for us as a company to participate in solidarity in the reconstruction of Ukraine and to bring in our very best Finnish engineering expertise “, states Luis Rudolphy, Fimpec’s Chief Sales Officer.

“At Fimpec, we believe in building a better future through our pursuit of excellence in the projects we undertake today. I’m positive that our expertise enables us to deliver the very best solutions needed for rebuilding Ukraine”, he continues.

As a leading specialist in consulting, project management, and engineering services, Fimpec excels as a project consultant in large-scale industrial and energy projects, as well as in real estate and infrastructure developments.

You are warmly welcome to visit our stands at 1-A-28, 3-C-4, 3-C-2 in exhibition hall 3.

» Read more about the conference

Fimpec is participating in the 14th Fennoscandian Exploration and Mining (FEM) event in Levi, Kittilä from Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2023. You are welcome to meet and challenge our experts to good discussions!

Our highly skilled team, specialized in consulting, engineering, and project management, is involved in numerous industrial and energy investment projects across Finland and around the world. We have the insight, knowledge, and experience to help you achieve your goals in the mineral exploration and mining industry sector.

Come and meet us at booth B23, where our experts Luis Rodolphy, Sami Ström, Pekka Veisto, Timo Rantala, and Jarno Rannikko will be present.

The 14th Fennoscandian Exploration and Mining (FEM) conference is one of the most significant and largest mining industry events in Europe. The event will take place from October 31st to November 2nd, 2023, at the Levi Summit event center.

Welcome!