Valmet’s automation improves hydropower plants’ performance for Kainuun Voima in Finland

Valmet Oyj’s trade press release, November 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EET

Valmet has been selected to deliver a Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS) to Kainuun Voima’s Koivukoski II, Koivukoski III and Ämmäkoski hydropower plants in Kajaani, Finland. The new systems, which include turbine controllers and plant automation (BOP), will replace the site’s existing third-party automation and selected electrical systems the with state-of-the-art Valmet DNAe platform. These mission-critical solutions enable reliable and efficient operation of the hydropower plants, enhancing turbine performance, improving maintainability, and supporting long-term operational excellence.

“Valmet’s new automation system integrates several previously separate systems into a single, unified whole. The investment aims to reduce the number of interfaces, which in turn shortens response times for maintenance and service. This modernization investment supports our long-term goal of achieving the best possible capability to meet the requirements set by the electricity market for our automation system,” says Kimmo Keinänen, CEO of Kainuun Voima.

“We are proud to deliver advanced automation solutions to Kainuun Voima’s hydropower plants. The solutions enable centralized monitoring and operation, together with advanced turbine control, protection and diagnostic capabilities. Built on Valmet’s proven experience in hydropower automation and the web-based Valmet DNAe platform, the solutions help the customer strengthen the flexibility, availability and long-term value of its hydropower operations,” says Timo Stranius, Solution Manager, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet.

Valmet will deliver a Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS), including turbine controllers and plant automation to Kainuun Voima’s Koivukoski II (pictured), Koivukoski III and Ämmäkoski hydropower plants in Kajaani, Finland.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received during the third quarter of 2026. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The Valmet DNAe systems will be operational during the fourth quarter of 2027.

Technical information about the delivery
The delivery covers the replacement of a competitor’s automation system and selected electrical systems for three of Kainuun Voima’s hydropower plants (HPPs): Koivukoski II, Koivukoski III and Ämmäkoski.

The automation scope is based on the Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS) and includes Valmet DNAe Hydro Turbine Automation, Balance of Plant, and SCADA functionalities that enable centralized monitoring and operation of all three hydropower plants from a central control room.

The electrical scope includes new synchronizing equipment for the Ämmäkoski and Koivukoski II plants, as well as upgrades to the existing generator protection and excitation systems. The delivery also includes flood protection for the Ämmäkoski plant, along with upgrades to the medium- and low-voltage systems, protection solutions, Direct Current (DC) power systems, and control equipment at Koivukoski III.

The new automation and electrical systems will be integrated with the turbine rehabilitation works to ensure reliable and coordinated plant operation.

Valmet offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions designed to support efficient, reliable, and flexible hydropower generation.

Valmet DNAe DCS is a next-generation, fully web-based distributed control system that is especially suitable for critical power generation. It ensures 24/7 safe and reliable operation through high availability and strong cybersecurity, while integrating process control, monitoring, and analytics to enable flexible, intelligent, and data-driven plant performance.

About the customer

Kainuun Voima Oy is an energy company based in Kajaani, Finland, producing renewable energy from hydropower. Its hydropower operations consist of three plants on the Kajaaninjoki River: Ämmäkoski, Koivukoski I–II, and Koivukoski III. Together, the plants have a total capacity of approximately 30 MW and generate around 100,000 MWh of electricity annually.

Hydropower production on the Kajaaninjoki River has a long history, dating back to 1917, when the first turbines were installed at Ämmäkoski. Hydropower is therefore an important part of Kainuun Voima’s energy production and its role in the regional energy supply. Company’s Finnish-language pages.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Timo Stranius, Solution Manager, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet, tel. +358405587519

Matti Miinalainen, Senior Sales Manager, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet, tel. +358408225216

Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. We work with our customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 19,400 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

In 2025, Valmet’s net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. Our head office is in Espoo, Finland, and we have experts in approximately 40 countries around the world. Valmet’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

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