Valmet is to retrofit automation at KSS Energia’s Verla 2 hydropower plant in Finland.

Valmet has been awarded a contract to upgrade the automation system at KSS Energia’s Verla 2 hydropower plant in Kouvola, Finland.

The modernisation effort involves the implementation of the Valmet DNA hydro turbine automation system, set to replace an outdated third-party system currently in place. It will be integrated with the Hinkismäki power station.

All KSS Energia hydropower plants are controlled from a central point by the Norwegian technology supplier Volue.

The retrofitting of the automation system is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the operational reliability of the Verla 2 hydropower plant.

With its historical roots in serving the local wood processing industry, the combined facilities of Verla 1 and Verla 2 generate 15,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually – enough to power 3,000 average households.

The agreement for the modernisation project was officially recorded in Valmet’s fourth-quarter 2024 orders received.

While the financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, the delivery of the new automation system is scheduled for December 2025.

KSS Energia Asset Management senior vice-president Jukka Rämä stated:“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.”

Valmet Automation Systems business line sales manager Tom Bäckman stated: “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 co-operation.”