Liedon Lämpö Oy – Strategic Investment – The Commissioning of a Steam Boiler Enhances Reliability and Efficiency in Heat Production

Liedon Lämpö Oy’s district heating capacity was approaching the limits of sustainability and sufficiency, highlighting the need for a significant investment. For Ari-Matti Mattila, who took over as the company’s CEO in November 2023, the decision was clear – the investment had to be made immediately.

Facilitating the start of this major upgrade was the availability of a 13 MW steam boiler that had become available in Lahti following the closure of a large company’s operations. The boiler was a perfect match for Liedon Lämpö’s needs.

“When the deal was signed in April last year, few believed the plant would be operational in just eight months. There was plenty of scepticism, and I may have made several bets on the matter – though I have yet to collect most of my promised cognac bottles,” Ari-Matti says with a smile.

An Exceptionally Challenging Project Required Seamless Cooperation

Given the unique scale of the project, it was essential to ensure smooth cooperation from the outset, not only within the project’s core team but also with other stakeholders. The efficient administrative processes and cooperative approach of the City of Lieto contributed to the project’s success and reinforced the city’s reputation as a business-friendly operator in Southwest Finland.

Two Finnish companies were chosen as Liedon Lämpö’s partners for good reason. Both had extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of managing and leading various heat and energy production projects. BA Energy Oy and Bois Oy were involved in the project from the very beginning of the planning phase.

Close collaboration enabled a major success – the rare relocation of a boiler plant in Finland was completed in record time. BA Energy and Bois divided responsibilities into different areas, each of which was handled with excellence.

Ari-Matti reflects: “A crucial factor in the smooth execution of the entire project was my 100% trust in both Bois and BA Energy. I was absolutely certain that if anyone could successfully complete this massive undertaking, it was them.”

BA Energy’s Janne Alpua played a key role, overseeing the commissioning of the boiler and mentoring Liedon Lämpö’s personnel in managing the new system. The project not only increased capacity but also marked a fundamental shift in the company’s operations.

Janne’s expertise introduced improvements that significantly enhanced the company’s performance from multiple perspectives. Network improvements, production adjustments, and the decommissioning of old oil boilers boosted production efficiency and heat supply reliability while reducing environmental impact.

During the project, a booster pumping station was acquired, the new steam boiler was refurbished before commissioning, additional measurement points were installed, pumping systems were enhanced, and staff received thorough training to manage the new system.

“From Liedon Lämpö’s perspective, it is fantastic to see how this relocation and all the other changes during this period have contributed to a tremendous growth story for them. Personally, the complexity of the project far exceeded the challenges of commissioning a brand-new facility,” Alpua reflects.

Effective Project Management and Close Cooperation Were Key

Bois Oy’s role in the project focused more on the decommissioning in Lahti, transportation of the components, and reassembly in Lieto. The scale of the project is illustrated by the fact that a total of 68 full-trailer truckloads were transported from Lahti to Lieto. Bois’s team members, Timo Vesaluoma and Jari Blomberg, were responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of the special transport operations.

Relocating a project of this magnitude required extensive coordination, commitment, and skilled project management, which Bois handled with confidence and professionalism.

One key observation emerged in the project management’s weekly meetings: every challenge encountered was resolved immediately. No issue was significant enough to disrupt project progress. Additionally, the seamless and rapid decision-making, along with a direct communication style, played a crucial role in meeting important milestones.

“Everything is interconnected, and we were fortunate with the weather conditions at different stages of the project. During the summer, we avoided heavy rains, and in late autumn, there was neither snow nor freezing temperatures. We focused on shift allocation, planning, prioritisation, and ensuring that we always had what we needed to keep the boiler on schedule. That guiding principle drove our work day by day and week by week,” Janne summarises.

Mastering the Schedule – The Ultimate Success Factor

Since the project has already been widely praised as a major achievement, it is worth revisiting the timeline, which truly highlights the remarkable execution and outstanding performance of all involved.

On 6 December, Finland’s Independence Day was not the only reason for celebration. Just four months earlier, in early September, the assembly of the building and the boiler had begun. Now, the work had materialised in the best possible way.

“I received a video from Janne at my summer cottage, showing flames burning in the new boiler,” Ari-Matti recalls, adding: “One week of testing later, the boiler was already supplying heat to the network, and we had beaten the schedule we had set in our initial project planning meeting in the spring. It was an incredible achievement by everyone!”

The Future of Heat Production in Lieto – Long-Term Competitiveness

Liedon Lämpö’s production now includes a new steam boiler, which, compared to other boiler types, is more efficient and enables better heat transfer. At the same time, due to its high pressure and temperature output, it also requires more monitoring and maintenance. Liedon Lämpö’s staff received comprehensive hands-on training in steam boiler maintenance, and this winter has proven that the installation and commissioning of the new boiler were completed at precisely the right moment—just before the cold season arrived.

This successful investment and project demonstrated that strong commitment, strategic planning, and expert partners can bring about significant transformations that will serve the company for decades to come.

Photos from project