The Iru power plant will supply electricity to Elcogen, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell technology
Enefit Green and Elcogen have signed a long-term electricity sales agreement, under which a direct power connection line will be constructed 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. 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," explained Kaasik.
"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," said Enn Õunpuu, CEO of Elcogen.
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-kilometer radius of the power plant."
Founded in 2001, Elcogen is a manufacturer of clean energy technology that delivers affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity. We are a European business with a proud Estonian heritage and a global customer network delivering flexible core solid oxide technology. Elcogen has its registered office in the UK, and manufacturing facilities in Estonia and Finland that have served 160 customers in 30 countries.
Efficient combined heat and power plant managed by Enefit Green AS, which together produces the electricity as well as district heat energy for the city of Tallinn. Thanks to the modern WtE (Waste-to Energy) technology, the depositing of household waste in landfills in Estonia has been brought to a minimum, ensuring a more environmentally friendly and clean future. The electrical production capacity of the power plant is 17 MW, offering a possibility to connect large users exceeding 10 MW directly to the power station.