Finland is taking a major leap towards a greener future by building the world’s largest heat pump in its capital city, Helsinki. This air-to-water heat pump is a key component in the city’s ambitious plan to decarbonize its district heating system, which provides heat to homes and businesses.
The massive heat pump, commissioned by Finnish energy company Helen Oy, is expected to start supplying heat by the end of 2026. It will be able to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C and is capable of providing enough heat for approximately 30,000 homes. This will result in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions, estimated to be around 26,000 tonnes annually.
“Helsinki has set the ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2030, and transitioning our heating system is crucial to achieving this,” says Juhani Aaltonen, vice president of green investments at Helen Oy. “Once completed, the heat pump plant will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions caused by heating, bringing us closer to our net-zero target. In addition, the new plant is likely to create price stability for customers, as its production is easily adjustable.”
The project has received a subsidy from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the heat pump itself is being supplied by German manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions.
The new heating plant, which also includes two 50MW electric boilers, utilizes CO2 as the refrigerant. This choice is driven by the fact that CO2 is less damaging than other refrigerants if it leaks, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
“Urban district heating projects that utilise climate-neutral technologies are essential for advancing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” says Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions. “We are excited to see our heat pump solution play a key role in driving the energy transition forward.”
This project highlights the growing importance of heat pumps in the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Around half of all energy consumed in the EU is used for heating and cooling buildings, with more than 70 percent of that energy still coming from fossil fuels. While Finland is leading the way in climate-friendly home heating, with 41 percent of buildings using renewable sources for heating, the country still faces the challenge of moving away from biomass, which can have negative impacts on its forestry sector.
This ambitious project in Helsinki demonstrates a commitment to finding innovative solutions to decarbonize heating systems and pave the way for a more sustainable future. It serves as an inspiration for other cities and countries looking to transition towards cleaner energy sources.
