In early autumn 2025, Doranova began construction of the Vesilahti–Lempäälä Biopower Oy biogas plant as a EPC (turnkey) contractor. Once completed, the plant will produce biomethane for Lempäälän Lämpö Oy’s local distribution network and will also capture and liquefy carbon dioxide – becoming the first biogas plant in Finland to do so.
Doranova began developing the Vesilahti–Lempäälä biogas plant project as early as 2018, when the first important step was identifying a suitable site. The Municipality of Vesilahti became an active partner by acquiring the plot through a land exchange arrangement. In the same year, Vesilahti–Lempäälä Biopower Oy obtained its environmental permit.
From the very beginning, a key role in the project has been played by Lempäälän Lämpö Oy, owned by the Municipality of Lempäälä and known as an innovative energy sector operator.
“Lempäälän Lämpö’s CEO, Toni Laakso, has been an invaluable support throughout the project. The company is responsible for expanding the gas distribution network approximately six kilometres to the future biogas plant. In addition, they have assisted in designing the overall energy solutions of the process,” says Antti Myllärinen, CEO of Doranova Oy.
A change in direction – and a project maturing for a new era
In the early stages, the objective was to process packaged biowaste. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a nationwide collapse in the availability of these fractions, and the project was put on hold for several years.
“Five years ago, the time was simply not yet right for a project like this,” Myllärinen notes. Over the years, the project’s focus has shifted toward agricultural biomass streams, while the green transition has elevated the value of biogas and biomethane to an entirely new level.
There were also changes in the ownership structure. Doranova served for a long time as the majority owner of Vesilahti–Lempäälä Biopower Oy, until in 2023 the majority ownership was transferred to Sontek Oy. Later, the Swiss company Ophi AG also joined the project. The biogas plant project has received funding from both the ELY Centre and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the latter of which places particular emphasis on developing the gas upgrading value chain.
Finland’s first biogas plant utilising biogenic CO₂ capture and liquefaction
Doranova is responsible for the EPC contract, covering everything from site clearing to process commissioning and the finishing of asphalted areas. At a later stage, Doranova’s objective is also to take responsibility for operating the plant.
The gas upgrading technology is supplied by Ophi Technologies Oy, which upgrades biogas into biomethane. At the same time, biogenic carbon dioxide is captured at the plant, liquefied, and directed to industrial use. This solution is the first of its kind in Finland.
“The market for biogenic carbon dioxide is still developing, but we want to be pioneers in this area as well. Part of the CO₂ production will be sold, and part will be utilised in Doranova’s other operations,” Myllärinen explains.
Solidferm technology at the heart of the plant
The plant is implemented using Doranova’s proprietary Solidferm technology, which enables the processing of feedstocks with higher total solids content in wet anaerobic digestion reactors. The facility will include two 4,250 m³ digestion reactors, and a spacious 600 m² process hall allows the feedstock handling technology to be located indoors.
Completion in 2026
The biogas plant will be completed in summer 2026, and the injection of biomethane into Lempäälän Lämpö Oy’s local distribution network will begin in autumn 2026.
The Vesilahti–Lempäälä Biopower project is a strong example of how long-term development work and cooperation between stakeholders can advance the implementation of local renewable energy solutions. More information on the project’s progress and technical solutions will be published in early 2026.
