Significant Upgrades at Seinäjoki Substation to Support Wind Power Growth
Fingrid is carrying out a modernization of the Seinäjoki 110 kV substation to meet the needs of the rapidly growing wind power production in Southern Ostrobothnia. The substation, originally built in the 1980s, has reached the end of its service life and will now be replaced with a new gas-insulated (GIS) substation. As part of the upgrade, the old open-air substation will be dismantled, and a second main transformer will be installed, enhancing the grid’s capacity and ensuring a reliable connection to the national grid for the region’s expanding wind power production.
First Joint Project Between Siemens Energy Oy and NEPower
The Seinäjoki project, which began in 2022, is the first joint venture between Siemens Energy Oy and NEPower. Siemens Energy Oy, serving as the main contractor for the project, is responsible for the comprehensive modernization and expansion of the substation. NEPower is handling the extensive installation work, covering the following scope:
- Mechanical installation of the 110 kV GIS equipment
- Process electrification for 110 kV GIS
- Cable installation and termination work for 110 kV
- Renewal of the control and protection systems for 400 kV GIS equipment
- Renewal of the star point systems for 400 kV main transformers
NEPower expresses gratitude for the trust placed in them and emphasizes the value of the collaboration, as the project has been significant in terms of both scale and technical requirements.
Completion by the End of 2024
The Seinäjoki modernization project has progressed according to schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Fingrid’s investment in the Seinäjoki substation is a crucial step towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future. This project will improve the reliability of electricity distribution throughout the region and support Fingrid’s strategy to enable the connection of renewable energy to the national grid – an essential aspect for the development of Finland’s energy sector.