SENS is pleased to announce a principal agreement with Callio, a Finnish development company owned by the Pyhäjärvi Municipality. This strategic partnership aims to develop an energy storage solution at the Pyhäsalmi mine, integrating a battery energy storage system (BESS) with an underground pumped storage hydroelectric (UPHS) facility, and photovoltaic solar parks (PV). The integration of BESS with UPHS, and PV, at the Callio Business park and Olcconen Green Industrial park aims to enhance energy management efficiency and profitability, offering substantial financial returns while supporting sustainable development. One of the Pyhäsalmi mine's core strengths is its strategic geographical location, which provides direct access to the established electrical grid, ensuring seamless integration and optimal functionality.

There are three separate projects within the scope of the total project, being the follow:

With all necessary permits already secured, including agreements on grid connections, the BESS is in a ready-to-build phase, with battery systems expected to be operational within a year, ready to deliver 85 MW capacity to the grid, the frequency market or the arbitrage market, and enabling immediate revenue generation using existing infrastructure. The full project is slated to commence in 2025.

The underground pumped storage hydro (UPHS) system has an estimated storage capacity of 530 MWh and a maximum output of initially 75 MW. Its primary objective is to balance energy supply and demand using the existing mine infrastructure, thereby contributing to grid stability, and reducing carbon emissions. 

The third aspect of the project is the establishment of PV's in the area, which would further enhance sustainable energy production and increase the total capacity of the project.

Financing
The project involves a consortium consisting of SENS, which offers the BESS and UPHS solutions; Callio, developer Callio Business park and Olcconen green industrial park areas; UB Corporate Finance Ltd. who will act as financial partners for this development, while Axpo is considered to be responsible for energy trading in relation to the assets. In addition to this, The Finnish government has also allocated funds of EUR 26.3 million linked to foreign direct investments for initiatives within renewable energy. 

Henrik Kiviniemi, Town Manager of Pyhäjärvi, commented:
"Callio Pyhäjärvi and the town of Pyhäjärvi are excited about the collaboration with SENS. For the town, this project is a direct investment in the municipalities' carbon neutrality efforts, which the town has been at the forefront of for years. For Callio, the UPHS and BESS projects are important cornerstone initiatives for the repurposing of mining infrastructure and the green transition in the Olcconen industrial park. In Pyhäjärvi, we see the project entity as important both locally and nationally."

"SENS is proud to partner with Callio for an innovative energy storage project at Pyhäsalmi mine. Integrating BESS and UPHS, the project will boost efficiency, grid stability, and sustainability for the region. It showcases our capacity to repurpose deserted mines into functional energy storage sites, providing a crucial solution for the future energy landscape. This marks an important step in our international expansion," says Henrik Boman, CEO of SENS.

The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above on May 21, 2024 at 10: 30 a.m. CET.