Ever wondered where Rovaniemi gets a chunk of its power? It comes from right here at Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos. Let’s dive into the story of this impressive hydroelectric plant.
The Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos stands on the Kemijoki river. This river is vital to the energy production in the Lapland region of Finland. The seven power plants on the Kemijoki main channel rank among Finland’s ten largest hydropower plants.
Valajaskoski was built in 1960. It has been providing power for over six decades. This power plant isn’t just old it’s a crucial part of Finland’s energy infrastructure.
Kemijoki Oy owns and operates Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos. In 2023, Kemijoki Oy’s twenty power plants generated a total of 4622 GWh of electricity.
The Valajaskoski plant has a capacity of 101 MW. It harnesses the power of the Kemijoki river. The plant uses three Kaplan turbines. Each has a nameplate capacity of 33.7 MW. These turbines were supplied by Andritz Hydro. GE Renewable Energy provided three electric generators. Each generator has a capacity of 30 MVA.
The water in the Valajaskoski reservoir is significant. It can hold up to 100.1 million cubic meters of water. The net head of the project is 11.5 meters. This height difference helps to generate power efficiently.
Between 2001 and 2003 Valajaskoski underwent a rehabilitation and modernization. This ensured the plant’s continued efficiency and reliability.
In a single year, Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos can generate 365.2 GWh of electricity. That’s enough to power a substantial number of homes and businesses.
The development of Valajaskoski began in 1957. It was a significant undertaking for its time. Today, it remains an active and essential power source.
You might be interested to know that Caverion is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Valajaskoski. They ensure that everything runs smoothly day in and day out.
Valajaskoski is not the only hydro plant in the area. There are many others. Petäjäskoski completed in 1957 is the second largest hydropower plant in Finland.
Plants like Seitakorva and Pirttikoski also contribute significantly. They are all part of Kemijoki Oy’s extensive hydropower network.
Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos shows Finland’s commitment to renewable energy. It stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As we conclude our visit here think about the power of water. It has been harnessed to bring electricity to our homes and industries. The Valajaskosken vesivoimalaitos remains a vital part of Finland’s energy future.