Helsinki is preparing to revolutionize its heating system with the installation of largest heat pump in the world. This innovation represents a critical step toward decarbonizing the city’s district heating network, a centralized system that distributes heat through an underground pipe infrastructure to local homes and businesses.
Designed to operate even at extreme temperatures of -20°C, the new heat pump will be powered by electricity from frenewable sources, consolidating Helsinki’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. The project was commissioned by the Finnish energy company Helen Oywith the aim of having the new structure operational by the end of 2026.
As he explains Juhani AaltonenVice President of Green Investments at Helen Oy:
The transition of our heating system is crucial to achieving carbon neutrality. Once completed, this heat pump will significantly reduce heating-related CO2 emissions and will also offer greater price stability to customers, thanks to flexible production.
Environmental impact and innovative technologies of the new structure
The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Labor provided a grant to support the project. The heat pump, supplied by German manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions, will work in tandem with two 50 MW electric boilers. Together, they will provide heat to around 30,000 homes in the Finnish capital, reducing CO2 emissions by around 26,000 tonnes each year.
A distinctive element of the project is the use of CO2 as a refrigerant. Unlike traditional gases, which are often harmful to the environment and subject to EU restrictions, carbon dioxide represents a more sustainable and safe choice, even in the event of leaks. Second Uwe LauberCEO of MAN Energy Solutions:
Urban projects like this, which integrate climate-neutral technologies, are essential to accelerating the global energy transition.
THE’European Union consumes approximately 50% of energy to heat and cool buildings, and more than 70% of this energy still comes from fossil fuels, especially natural gas. Finland, however, stands out as a leader in sustainable heating: in 2021, almost half of the energy used to heat buildings came from renewable sources, although biomass still made up a significant portion. With the new plant, Helsinki avoids further burdening the forestry sector, a point highlighted during a 2021 competition that ruled out biomass as an option to decarbonize the city’s heating.
