Overview
Salmisaari B is a 163 MW coal power plant in Helsinki, Finland, operated by Helsingin Energia. It plays a role in the city's district heating and electricity supply.
Salmisaari B is a coal-fired power plant located in Helsinki, Finland, with a capacity of 163 megawatts. Owned and operated by Helsingin Energia, the facility is part of the city's energy infrastructure, contributing to both electricity generation and district heating. As a coal plant in a Nordic country, it operates under stringent EU environmental regulations. The plant's technology is typical for a medium-sized coal unit, likely using subcritical or supercritical steam cycle. Finland's energy sector is characterized by a mix of nuclear, hydro, biomass, and fossil fuels, with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. Salmisaari B is subject to the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, which set limits on SOx, NOx, and dust emissions. Salmisaari B is significant for Helsinki's energy security, providing baseload power and district heating to the capital region. Its operation is integrated with the Nordic electricity market, and it faces increasing pressure from Finland's goal to phase out coal by 2029. The plant's environmental impact includes CO2 emissions, but its role in district heating improves overall efficiency.
Environmental context
Salmisaari B's coal combustion emits CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local and global environmental impacts. Located in Helsinki, the plant's emissions affect urban air quality, though Finland's strict EU regulatory framework mandates continuous emission monitoring and compliance with BAT standards. The plant's proximity to residential areas necessitates advanced pollution control technologies, such as flue gas desulfurization and selective catalytic reduction, to mitigate health risks.
Frequently asked questions
Salmisaari B is located in Helsinki, Finland, at coordinates 60.1656 N, 24.9048 E.
Salmisaari B has a capacity of 163 megawatts, making it a medium-sized coal power plant.
Salmisaari B is owned and operated by Helsingin Energia, the energy utility for the city of Helsinki.
As a Finnish coal plant, Salmisaari B must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, which set strict limits on emissions of SOx, NOx, and dust.
Finland aims to phase out coal by 2029. Salmisaari B, as a coal plant, faces eventual closure or conversion to alternative fuels, aligning with national climate goals.