Satamaito

Biogas partnership fuels sustainable transformation

Biogas produced by Nevel helps the dairy cooperative Satamaito increase its use of renewable energy and achieve its sustainability goals.

Biogas keeps production running

The biogas produced at Nevel’s plant in Pori powers production at Satamaito, a dairy company based in Ulvila, Finland. The gas is transported in containers to a receiving station at Satamaito’s premises, from where it is fed into the dairy’s own heating plant.

Nevel began supplying the dairy with biogas in 2023. In 2024 approximately 2,800 MWh of biogas was delivered, which represents an estimated 580 ton reduction in CO₂ emissions through the replacement of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The delivery volume will grow along with the capacity of the production plant and Satamaito’s needs.

“We could use even double the amount of biogas, but larger volumes would require new logistical solutions. Alongside biogas, our production facility still uses LPG. This way, we can avoid production interruptions and ensure reliable product deliveries,” says Anniina Honkanen, CEO of Satamaito.

Benefits of biogas for Satamaito

Reduces the use of fossil fuels in production.
Supports the achievement of sustainability and climate goals.
Requires no heavy investments in energy infrastructure.
Enables the development of a circular economy in the future.

Biogas supports sustainability goals

Satamaito has prioritised the use of biogas primarily for reasons of environmental responsibility. With biogas, the company aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions and decrease its carbon footprint.

“We’ve identified our key sustainability themes through a materiality analysis. Energy issues have a significant impact on environmental responsibility. The electricity we use is already CO₂ free, and by investing in biogas we can reduce emissions even further,” Honkanen explains.

Satamaito also contributes to biogas production: wastewater from the dairy is delivered to Nevel’s biogas plant, where it is turned into renewable energy that is then returned to Satamaito’s production process. This is a great example of material efficiency, where local resources are utilised between different actors. In the future, Satamaito hopes to expand the model by recycling also other production side streams to the biogas plant.

“Currently, the lactose solution generated in the process is used as animal feed, but with Nevel we’re exploring whether it could be used at the biogas plant. It’s important for us to identify parts of our production chain where we can achieve the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective outcomes,” Honkanen says.

"Nevel is a competent and reliable partner that is helping us move closer to our sustainability goals.”

Anniina Honkanen

CEO of Satamaito

Strong collaboration drives reliable energy partnership

Adopting biogas required only minor investments from Satamaito. A biogas receiving station was built next to the dairy, to which Nevel delivers the gas in containers. The new burner in Satamaito’s heating plant can easily be adjusted to use biogas.

“We produce and deliver the biogas and lease the pressure station for Satamaito’s use, but Satamaito’s own staff manages the heating plant. The cooperation model is based on a service concept where Nevel takes responsibility for the entire biogas chain, allowing the customer to focus on their core business,” explains Jyrki Eurén from Nevel’s Industrial business.

The partnership between Satamaito and Nevel is built on a long-term cooperation with clear roles, shared goals and a mutual desire to improve operations. Honkanen praises the smooth communication and the ability to resolve challenges constructively.

“We’ve been able to continuously increase the delivery volume of biogas. Nevel is a competent and reliable partner that is helping us move closer to our sustainability goals.”

Challenge

The need to reduce production-related emissions and find a renewable, reliable alternative to fossil fuels.

Solution

A comprehensive service where renewable energy is produced at Nevel’s biogas plant and transported to Satamaito’s production facility.

Results

Satamaito has significantly reduced its use of fossil fuels in a cost-effective way while advancing its sustainability goals.