Self-sufficient energy solutions in Aalto Works block in Otaniemi

The Aalto Works block in Espoo has a carbon-neutral and almost self-sufficient heating and cooling system, the first of its kind in northern Europe. The next phase in the block’s local energy solution will be completed in late 2022. The facilities of Aalto University in Otaniemi, Espoo, and Töölö, Helsinki, are maintained and developed by Aalto University Campus & Real Estate (ACRE).

The campus area strives for a high level of innovation similar to the University’s research. The aim is to turn Otaniemi into a fully carbon-neutral area, which makes this a significant step towards ACRE’s sustainable development goals, says Ville Jokela, CEO of ACRE.

ACRE decided to use industrial-scale air-water heat pumps and surplus heat from the buildings, working together with experts from Fortum and Sweco.

This is an innovative solution as it combines local production based on heat pumps and the district heating system. The air-water heat pumps generate both local heating at a low temperature and local cooling that allows the surplus heat that is generated to be effectively circulated in the block. At the same time, access to heating is secure even in the coldest weather, thanks to district heating. The local system’s self-sufficiency rate is 70–90%, and the energy solution is entirely carbon-neutral, says Thomas Ekholm from Fortum’s heating and cooling department.

Block-level energy solutions are pioneering in many ways. Corresponding energy solutions do not exist in northern Europe at the moment, and probably not in the world as a whole.

Fortum is in charge of the project throughout the system’s whole lifecycle, from project development and construction to operation. The goal is also to expand the solution to the neighbouring facilities in the future. The project has involved exceptionally open cooperation. Fortum and Aalto University have also agreed on research collaboration, the data from which will be used for research and system development, among other purposes. The research also involves the optimisation of energy production and consumption.

The local energy project is one of Fortum’s steps towards the Espoo Clean Heat targets, according to which Espoo’s district heating system will be carbon-neutral by the end of 2029.

Building a carbon-neutral society requires bold thinking and new approaches. Espoo has the ability to take up this challenge. Join us in developing future solutions in Kera, Otaniemi and Kiviruukki! The Implementation Pathway for Environments that Accelerate Sustainable Growth KETO project boosts cooperation between businesses, schools and research organisations, and creates concrete development environments that promote the green transition and digitalisation. The project is run by the City of Espoo, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Aalto University and Omnia, together with several business partners. Project is funded by European Union’s REACT-EU ERDF and is part of the European Union’s response to the covid-19 pandemic.