Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 6, UPM Energy has commissioned a new 6 MW ultracapacitor system at its Kuusankoski hydropower plant on the River Kymi in Kouvola, Finland. The system stores energy and provides fast balancing power to the electricity grid, addressing growing demand for rapid and flexible grid support amid increasing use of weather-dependent renewable energy. The project, initially announced in August 2024, triples UPM Energy’s ultracapacitor capacity.

Juha Haromo, Development Manager at UPM Energy, said: “The need for reserves has tripled in the last five years, due to the increased share of weather-dependent energy sources. When there is no wind, balancing power is needed, which hydropower in particular can provide. Ultracapacitors provide a rapid response, complementing hydropower and helping to ensure the durability of power plants. This means more balancing power for the grid and better balance for the entire electricity system.”

UPM notes that ultracapacitors react to grid-balancing needs in a fraction of a second, are maintenance-free, and have longer lifespans than conventional batteries. The Kuusankoski installation integrates digital tools and automation to optimize both ultracapacitor and hydropower operations, enhancing the reliability of grid services.

This follows UPM’s first ultracapacitor deployment in 2022 at the Ontojoki hydropower plant, described as the world’s first combination of a hydropower system and an ultracapacitor. PM Energy is Finland’s second-largest electricity producer, with 99% of its output emission-free, highlighting the company’s focus on sustainable energy solutions.

The Kuusankoski hydropower plant, constructed in the late 1940s, has undergone multiple major renovations. A comprehensive modernisation improved efficiency to 94% and increased turbine capacity to about 37 MW, raising average annual electricity production to approximately 195 GWh. The plant’s three turbines and generator units have been renewed, and upgrades to automation, protection systems, and the main transformer have strengthened operations. The backup power system has also been enhanced to support continuous, reliable production.

By combining ultracapacitors with hydropower, PM Energy aims to provide rapid-response energy to stabilize the grid during fluctuations caused by variable renewable sources. The Kuusankoski system supports the company’s strategy of leveraging digital tools, automation, and innovative storage technologies to maintain high reliability and efficiency while expanding renewable energy integration in Finland’s electricity network.

Overall, the new ultracapacitor installation reinforces UPM Energy’s position as a leading provider of emission-free electricity and demonstrates how advanced storage solutions can complement traditional hydropower, delivering faster grid response and enhanced system stability.