Finland-headed forest industry and energy technology major Valmet Oyj has announced that it has received an order to deliver a comprehensive replacement of plant DCS and turbine control systems at Ennatuurlijk’s combined cycle power plant (CCPP) in Helmond, the Netherlands.
Ennatuurlijk delivers sustainable heating and cooling to homes and businesses through local district heating networks, aiming to supply completely carbon dioxide (CO2) neutral energy by 2040.
The company operates in numerous municipalities in the Netherlands, using multiple sources like residual heat, geothermal energy, and biomass to reduce CO2 emissions.
The modernization project will enhance the plant’s operational efficiency, reliability, and safety, while ensuring stable combined heat and power (CHP) production.
The project also supports the company’s long-term commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.
Valmet proved to be able and willing to create a tailor-made solution that covered all our needs. They invested significant time to co-develop the project with us, and we trusted their expertise and references in turbine and power plant controls based on past deliveries. The professionalism of the Valmet team during on-site audits and follow-up meetings further reinforced our confidence in their capabilities, said David Berghuis, Senior Asset Manager, Ennatuurlijk.
Modernization project
Using combined heat and power (CHP) technology, the 40 MW Helmond combined cycle power plant is undergoing modernization to improve efficiency and sustainability.
The plant supplies both electricity and district heating, strengthening the local energy supply and contributing to the Netherlands’ transition to cleaner energy.
The older gas turbine unit has been decommissioned, and the newer GE LM2500 DLE gas turbine is being modernized to ensure it meets future operational and environmental requirements.
Several obsolete third-party systems will be replaced with a single Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS).
The turnkey delivery, the value of which has not been disclosed, includes the full modernization of the plant’s turbine control, protection, and safety systems for both steam and gas turbines. It features Valmet DNA Steam Turbine Automation, Valmet DNA Gas Turbine Automation, and protection, with all safety systems based on HIMA technology.
The scope also covers HRSG and BOP controls, along with monitoring systems for gas turbine combustion and performance, emissions (CEMS), and equipment diagnostics, and will be taken over by Ennatuurlijk in October 2026.
We are proud to support Ennatuurlijk with this important modernization project. This delivery reflects Valmet’s broad expertise and extensive experience in mission-critical turbine automation and advanced control systems. It helps the customer optimize plant performance, enhance system reliability, and improve overall operational efficiency. Projects like this demonstrate Valmet’s commitment to providing innovative turnkey solutions that meet the changing needs and support the lifecycle requirements of our customers, said Johan Musch, Solution Manager, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet.
