Network partnership accelerates Neste’s green transition
Network partnership released resources for Neste’s core business
Securing 99,9999% network availability
Free up cash and band with for Neste’s core business
Adequate capital and expertise to develop the electrical grid
Our work
Overview
In late 2014, Aurora Infrastructure acquired the Kilpilahti electricity grid from Neste, taking on a crucial role in managing and modernizing infrastructure in the Nordics’ largest petrochemical region. This acquisition allowed Neste to focus on its core business, benefitting both financially and operationally. Today, the Kilpilahti grid serves multiple industrial companies, distributing approximately 1.8 TWh of power annually to meet the high energy demands of the area’s industrial plants.
Services
Since acquiring the grid, Aurora has made substantial investments in infrastructure improvements and the construction of new substations. By 2016, Aurora fully in-sourced operations and maintenance (O&M) services, involving operational staff in every stage—from planning to execution—to ensure smooth and efficient operation. Aurora has also focused on enhancing sustainability and aligning the infrastructure with future energy needs and sustainability goals.
Outcome
Aurora’s management has led to remarkable operational excellence, with the grid achieving a 99.9999% availability rate and minimal service interruptions. The network, which includes over 100 substations, allows Neste and other industrial partners to operate without concerns about power disruptions. Aurora has also prioritized cybersecurity, ensuring continuous improvements and maintaining up-to-date protections.
Aurora’s partnership model offers a cost-effective solution for return on capital, delivering both financial and operational value to Neste and other stakeholders. The owner’s commitment to supporting Kilpilahti’s ongoing growth and operations remains strong, ensuring continued reliability and efficiency.
10 years of delivering reliability, efficiency, and value for Neste’s energy needs
Dec 2014
Acquisition of Kilpilahti network company from Neste Corp.
Aurora Kilpilahti’s electricity grid serves the largest petrochemical area in the Nordics and annually distributes c. 1.8 TWh of power to industrial off-takers
The acquisition released financial capacity and resources from Neste, and Aurora has been committed to grid modernization with significant investments from the very first year onward
2016
In-sourced Kilpilahti electrician resources through a business transfer and extended the O&M scope, due to the successful partnership.
Agreed on shared maintenance and LVI upgrades to ensure long-term efficiency.
2017
Strengthening the network and expanding redundancy to enhance reliability
Upgrade investments in substations increased power distribution and boosted grid capacity to meet growing industrial demand
Acquisition of AGA’s electricity network further expanded Aurora’s operations in Kilpilahti
2020
Ongoing network upgrades, including grid renewal and distribution improvements, with substantial investments to boost capacity and supply security, all in line with the agreed investment program.
Network development is driven by customer needs, with 90% of cables already underground in Kilpilahti to enhance reliability.
by 2024
What has Aurora done during the 10 years in Neste Kilpilahti
- Secured 99.9999% network reliability
- Allowed Neste to focus on its core business, while Aurora manages all aspects of electricity grid operations
- Made significant investments to modernize the network, with ongoing upgrades
- Developed electrical expertise to keep the team up-to-date
- Improved cybersecurity, maintained continuously up-to-date
- Secured reliable power for all users in the region
- Operates the Kilpilahti network with over 100 substations, achieving exceptional performance standards
