Solar Foods, which develops and manufactures protein, plans to make an investment decision next year. The first production plant would start operations in 2028. The project will bring three factories and up to 1,000 new jobs to Lappeenranta. If the plans come to fruition, the factories will be located in Selkäharju along Kuutostie.
The investment decision will be made in 2026. The plant will produce Solein® protein, a carbon-neutral, sustainable microbial protein that is produced independently of soil, air and climate.
- One of Lappeenranta's key assets is the Lappeenranta Energia Group's electricity transmission network under construction from Ylikkälä to Simolantie. In addition, the surplus heat generated in the factory's production process can be used in the city's district heating network, says Pasi Vainikka, Managing Director of Solar Foods, in a press release from the City of Lappeenranta.
Lappeenranta Energia has anticipated the increase in electricity consumption in the area due to the energy transition and clean electrification by launching a new connection line project.
- Our new 110 kV connection line will enable the electrification of society throughout the Lappeenranta area. In addition, the increase in electricity transmission capacity will enable Solar Foods to efficiently supply electricity to the Selkäharju site," says Arto Nikkanen, CEO of Lappeenranta Energia, in a press release.
According to Tuomo Sallinen, Mayor of Lappeenranta, new investments such as Solar Foods have a major impact on the vitality of Finland as a whole, and also contribute to the national clean transition goals.
Ding Ma, the city's Director of Vitality, says in a press release that Lappeenranta was very successful in its efforts to attract and retain investors.
- We presented them with three location options in Lappeenranta within a short period of time, and the options were effectively discussed with the company. Cooperation was established between the different departments of the city and Lappeenranta Energy. If the factory project is realised, it will have a significant vitality impact on Lappeenranta.
The construction of the Solar Foods Factory 02 is planned to take place in three phases, with the first phase scheduled to start production in 2028.
