Suomen Lantakaasu to build biogas plants in western Finland

Suomen Lantakaasu, the joint venture between dairy firm Valio and energy company St1, is set to launch biogas plants in the Ostrobothnia region of western Finland, Valio announced on June 6.

Following a feasibility study, the company has decided to proceed with the planning of two new plants in the Pedersore-Kruunupyy and Nivala-Sievi areas. Suomen Lantakaasu aims to achieve a production capacity of 1TWh/year by 2030.

In February, Suomen Lantakaasu acquired a majority stake in Nurmon Bioenergia, which is already developing a biogas plant in Southern Ostrobothnia. The Pedersore-Kruunupyy and Nivala-Sievi areas are chosen due to the high concentration of farms producing suitable raw material for biogas production and strong green energy industry presence.

Detailed studies are underway to determine the optimal construction sites for the biogas plants. Leena Helminen, Valio’s director of sustainable business development, stated, “After the ongoing nature inventories and infrastructure studies have been completed, we will be able to decide on the final location of the sites and start signing letters of intent in the specified areas.”

Suomen Lantakaasu’s previous biogas plant projects in Nurmo and Kiuruvesi are progressing towards the investment decision stage, with preparatory groundworks underway, Valio said. These plants are expected to become operational in 2026. Together with the Upper Savo and Nurmo projects, the new projects represent a significant step towards achieving the 1TWh/year target, the company added.

"Our growing network of distribution stations is helping our customers drive the energy transition and reduce emissions in both agriculture and transport,” said Matti Oksanen, director, gas business at St1.