New geoenergy solution in Mirka’s factory cuts carbon dioxide emissions

A hybrid solution will be implemented at Mirka’s site in Jakobstad. The key part of the solution is a new geofield. Geoenergy is solar energy stored in the soil, and it can be extracted from the bedrock or from the surface of the soil. It can be efficiently utilized for both heating and cooling buildings throughout the year.

In total, 115 geoenergywells, each 340 meters deep, will be drilled on the site. Also installed on the site will be two large air to water heat pumps, solar panels and a district heating system, which is needed during the harshest winter. Mirka’s energy partner Adven will be responsible for designing, implementing and operating the energy solution.

The overall reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions will be 900 tons, which is a significant change from the previous level.

“Our goal is to minimize the carbon dioxide emissions, and Adven will provide us with local green energy. Adven’s expertise and the cooperation skills of their local staff make them an easy partner to work with,” says Mirka’s Project Office Manager Jari Lemberg.

The heat pumps will be used for cooling in the summer, when heat is stored in the geofield. In the winter, geoenergy and heat pump technology are used to heat the production plants.

Mirka has purchased energy as a service from Adven since the beginning of the 2000s. Currently, Adven is Mirka’s energy partner in its factories in Jeppo and Oravais. This made it easy to choose Adven as the energy partner for the company’s factory in Jakobstad, as well.

“The biggest reason for choosing Adven was their experience in completing projects under highly demanding conditions. We knew that this undertaking would be challenging. The existing factory is in operation and the new one is under construction at the same time as heat wells are being drilled, so space is running out on the plot,” says Lemberg.

Lemberg says that the cooperation has gone smoothly. All the parties have been aware of each others’ doings, and flexibility all around has ensured the least amount of disruption possible.

“Implementation has been technically challenging, as the work site was established quickly, and the factory is in operation during the whole time. Despite this, I believe that careful planning and seamless cooperation with Mirka and on the work site of the new expansion will help see the project through successfully,” says Adven’s Sales Manager Anssi Juvonen.

Mirka is constructing a new factory building to the southern end of its existing factory in Kvastberget, Jakobstad. The current factory facilities failed to meet the rapidly rising demand for electric sanders.

Adven
Anssi Juvonen, anssi.juvonen@adven.com tel. +358 40 809 3160

Mirka
Stefan Sjöberg, stefan.sjoberg@mirka.com tel. +358 40 824 7385

Mirka Oy
Mirka is an international company with 18 subsidiaries. 97% of net sales come from exports to more than 100 countries. Mirka specializes in flexible abrasives and products that allow for dust-free surface finishing. Mirka’s advanced sanding and polishing machines provide outstanding benefits to users. Innovative machines and high-quality abrasives and products, polishing compounds and accessories give Mirka customers access to a complete sanding solution to meet their individual needs. Mirka aims to provide optimized surface treatment solutions for use before painting or other finishing processes. www.mirka.com

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