Nevel, Lahti Aqua and Salpakierto have agreed on a transaction in which Labio biogas operations in Lahti, Finland, will be transferred to Nevel’s ownership on April 30th.
Labio, which operates Finland’s second-largest biogas plant, specialises in biogas production, composting solutions and processing biodegradable side streams such as biowaste and sewage sludge. The company’s Lahti facility processes nearly 90,000 tons of side streams, produces over 50 GWh of biogas and generates 40,000 m3 of compost products each year. As part of the deal, Lahti Aqua and Salpakierto sell their entire stake in Labio to Nevel.
The transaction will have no impact on Lahti Aqua’s water utility operations, and the company has no intention to divest its water services. “As a critical operator in ensuring security of supply, we want to focus on developing water services and strengthening the provision of sustainable water utility solutions in nearby municipalities. Our goal is to ensure the operational reliability of water services in our areas of operation now and in the future. Through this agreement, we believe that in collaboration with Nevel, Labio can further develop its operations and competitiveness,” says Jouni Lillman, CEO of Lahti Aqua.
Salpakierto’s core mission is to manage municipal waste services for the municipalities it is owned by, and the transaction will have no impact on these responsibilities. “It is important for us to focus our resources on our core mission, which includes the reception and transportation of residential municipal waste, the overall development of waste management and achieving our recycling and circular economy goals. We believe this agreement provides Labio with even better conditions to grow its operations and develop its expertise,” says Kimmo Rinne, CEO of Salpakierto Oy.
Energy infrastructure company Nevel sees Labio’s operations and customer relationships as having reached a strong level. Nevel aims to continue close cooperation with customers and invest further in Labio’s development.
“This partnership is a natural next step as we continue to invest in sustainable material processing and renewable energy solutions. By integrating Labio’s comprehensive offerings and expertise, we can provide customers with a strong platform for material circulation. We are strengthening our market position as one of Finland’s leading circular economy solution providers,” says Ville Koikkalainen, Director of Industrial and Biogas Business at Nevel.
The acquisition of Labio expands Nevel’s biogas portfolio, which in Finland already includes operations in Juuka, Forssa and Pori. Nevel is also planning circular economy cooperation in Kotka, Finland. The company is committed to promoting circular economy and sustainable energy solutions and is prepared to make additional investments to enhance operational efficiency and responsibility. Labio’s operations and customer relationships will continue as normal.
Further information:
Ville Koikkalainen, Director, Industrial and Biogas Business, Nevel, +358 40 526 3638
Hanna Viita, Director, Sustainability and Communications, Nevel, +358 40 167 1755
Jouni Lillman, CEO, Lahti Aqua Oy, +358 50 596 9764
Kimmo Rinne, CEO, Salpakierto Oy, +358 40 195 9971
Company backgrounds:
Lahti Aqua
Lahti Aqua is a subsidiary of the City of Lahti, providing water services to approximately 168,000 residents and businesses in Lahti, Hollola, Iitti and Heinola. Its services include customer service, water acquisition and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment as well as the maintenance, upkeep and development of these functions. As a critical infrastructure operator, Lahti Aqua’s core mission is to ensure that water services in its areas of operation are sustainable, safe and cost-effective.
Salpakierto
Salpakierto is a limited liability company owned by nine municipalities and is tasked with municipal waste management services in accordance with Finnish waste legislation within its owner municipalities. Its tasks include municipal waste reception, treatment advisory services and planning and development relating to municipal waste as well as waste transport where organised by the municipality. The company is part of the Lahti City Group.
Nevel Oy
Nevel is a utility infrastructure company offering advanced industrial and real estate infrastructure solutions that are fit-for-purpose and future-proof. Committed to climate-positive growth, Nevel drives societal impact by co-creating local circular economies and driving transformation to CO2 carbon-neutral energy production. Nevel serves almost 100 industrial and over 5,000 real estate customers with decentralised energy and circular economy solutions. The company operates more than 130 energy production sites and manages over 40 district heating networks. Nevel has an annual turnover of EUR 150 million, and employs 190 experts in Finland, Sweden and Estonia.
Nevel acquires Labio’s business in Lahti, Finland.
