Estonia’s energy company Enefit Green signed an agreement with Finnish clean tech manufacturer Elcogen to build a direct power connection line between the Iru power plant and Elcogen’s manufacturing facility.
The capacity of the direct power line to be built is 10 megavolt amperes, comparable to the power consumption of some smaller communities in Estonia. Construction of the direct power line will begin soon and is expected to be completed by January 2025. The electricity direct sales agreement has been signed for ten years.
According to Innar Kaasik, a Member of the Management Board of Enefit Green, the direct power line will connect the potential of both companies in the best possible way, allowing Elcogen, as a large consumer and Iru power plant, as an efficient heat and electricity producer, to focus on their core activities.
“We are very pleased about the opportunity to support this important project of Elcogen through our efficient supply of energy,” said Mr Kaasik. “The direct power line will provide Elcogen with electricity at a lower cost compared to the standard grid connection and being located next to our large energy production unit will also ensure to the customer a reliable supply. The cooperation agreement with Elcogen gives Iru power plant a long-term consumer, enabling better management of its energy production flows.”
“Elcogen’s new factory’s location in Looväli, in close proximity to the Iru Power Plant, enables us to procure environmentally friendly electricity reliably and sustainably for the production of solid oxide fuel cells, in line with our long-term plans. We are grateful for the dedication and cooperation with Enefit Green,” commented Enn Õunpuu, CEO of Elcogen.
Mr Kaasik added that a similar solution could be used by other large consumers interested in constructing direct power lines near power plants. “Enefit Green has the capability to offer direct lines not only near existing but also near planned wind farms. Constructing direct power lines near power plants will promote entrepreneurship and help preserve jobs in communities. However, it is important to consider the legal requirement that the power line must remain within a six-kilometre radius of the power plant.”