Closed-area energy production processes are being implemented at the Vaasa Housing Fair. Electricity and heating are produced and consumed within the fairground area.
The fuel cell unit, developed by Wartsila, is based on planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, and is reportedly the first of its kind in the world. The plant is fueled by methane originating from a nearby landfill, gas that would otherwise be harmful to the environment.
The power plant is said to have a high efficiency level, and will produce both electricity and heating for the fair site’s needs. The fuel cell unit for the fair site is Wartsila’s first field application of this technology. During the initial phase, it will produce an electricity output of approximately 20kW and a thermal output of 14kW to 17kW.
