Food technology company Solar Foods is preparing an investment in its first industrial-scale production facility in Lappeenranta, in the Selkäharju area.
The investment decision is expected in 2026. The plant is planned to produce Solein® protein — a carbon-neutral, sustainable microbial protein that can be produced independent of soil, air, or climate conditions.
According to Mayor Tuomo Sallinen, new investments like that of Solar Foods have a major impact on the vitality of all of Finland and support national clean transition goals.
“The large-scale investment being prepared by Solar Foods in Lappeenranta is, of course, an important and encouraging matter for the city as well.”
The City’s Director of Economic Development, Ding Ma, says that Lappeenranta succeeded very well in its site selection marketing and facilitation.
“We presented three location options in Lappeenranta to the company in a short time, and the alternatives were efficiently reviewed together. Cooperation was carried out across various city departments and with Lappeenrannan Energia. If the plant project proceeds, it will have a significant impact on the city’s vitality.”
Out of several siting options, Selkäharju offers the best conditions for rapid project implementation.
“One of Lappeenranta’s key advantages is the electricity transmission network currently being built by Lappeenrannan Energia, from Ylikkälä to Simolantie. In addition, surplus heat generated by the plant’s production process could be utilized in the city’s district heating network,” says Pasi Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods.
Lappeenrannan Energia has anticipated increased electricity demand in the area due to the energy transition and the shift to clean electrification by launching a new connection line construction project.
“Our new 110 kV connection line enables further electrification throughout the Lappeenranta area. The increase in transmission capacity will also ensure efficient electricity supply to Solar Foods at the Selkäharju site,” says Arto Nikkanen, CEO of Lappeenrannan Energia.
The construction of Solar Foods' Factory 02 production facility is planned to take place in three phases, with the first phase of production scheduled to begin in 2028.
Further information:
Tuomo Sallinen
Mayor, City of Lappeenranta
Tel. +358 40 624 1422
tuomo.sallinen@lappeenranta.fi
Ding Ma
Director of Economic Development, City of Lappeenranta
Tel. +358 40 660 4015
ding.ma@lappeenranta.fi
Arto Nikkanen
CEO, Lappeenrannan Energia Oy
Tel. +358 20 177 6056
arto.nikkanen@lreoy.fi
Pasi Vainikka
CEO, Solar Foods
Tel. +358 10 579 3286
pasi.vainikka@solarfoods.com
