Herkkumaa switched to emission-free production with the help of new technology

Herkkumaa was the first in the world to use an industrial-scale 10 MWh energy storage unit developed by Elstor Oy in 2023. This makes it possible to develop the steam needed in production without CO2 emissions.

The new technology means a carbon-free production process and emission-free water circulation heating of a property covering thousands of square meters. Herkkumaa invests heavily to reduce the environmental impact caused by its operations and abandons fossil fuels in steam production. The solution enables the production of steam and heat in an emission-free, cost-effective, and carbon-free manner.

Steam is critical in food production, as the entire process depends on it. Steam is used for heating cooking pots, heat treatment and sterilization – for all steps that require high temperatures. With the new solution, fossil fuel is replaced by fossil-free electricity, which energy is converted and stored in a thermal storage. This makes the process emission- free and reduces the carbon footprint of Herkkumaa’s production to zero. The emissions generated during the manufacturing of the Elstor system are compensated by using the solution for half a year.

The sharp increase in the price of oil can be seen in the food industry. Abandoning fossil fuels is not only ecological but also a matter of cost.

Emission reductions and responsibility are of interest to both consumers and business customers. A small carbon footprint is also a selling point in the export market.

A new type of solution stores electricity cost-effectively as thermal energy

Industry needs steam. Steam is usually produced with fossil fuels, as there has not been a cost-effective alternative in the past. The current energy political situation has greatly accelerated the interest in thermal batteries.

Herkkumaa and Elstor’s innovative project received Business Finland’s investment support for improving energy efficiency and new technology, which covers about a third of the investment.