The first block-level zero-emission local energy solution in Northern Europe developed for Aalto University

The Aalto Works block of Aalto University will have a self-sufficient and carbon-neutral local energy solution at the turn of the year. Fortum worked with Sweco’s experts to develop a central heating and cooling system for the block, which is currently unique in northern Europe.

Aalto University Campus & Real Estate (ACRE) maintains and develops the facilities of Aalto University in Otaniemi, Espoo and Töölö, Helsinki. The plan is to make the Otaniemi Campus completely carbon-neutral and energy self-sufficient. An important step in the right direction will be taken as the ‘K-block’ is renovated into the Aalto Works block, for which a unique heating and cooling system has been designed. “ACRE is our long-term client in district heating. We listened to their thoughts on future energy solutions carefully,” says Fortum’s Solution Sales Manager Tiina Davidsainen. The New Solutions team of Fortum’s heating and cooling operations has been tasked with conceptualising new energy solutions to quickly achieve regional zero-emission energy goals. “The project also realises Fortum’s strategy as it renews energy systems and accelerates the turn towards a cleaner world.”

HEAT PUMPS PROVIDE UP TO 90% OF THE REQUIRED ENERGY

At the beginning, ACRE surveyed the opportunities for creating an individual geothermal heating system for the area. “It would have required several geothermal heating wells, which would have limited the expansion of the block,” says Sweco’s Project Manager Jussi Alilehto.

Sweco’s experts suggested using air-water heat pumps and the waste heat recovered from the buildings. “Sweco offered the expertise we needed regarding the most advanced heat pump technology on the market and a comprehensive solution,” Davidsainen says.

The industrial-scale air-water heat pumps can heat, cool and recover waste heat from 10 properties. The system’s self-sufficiency rate is 70–90 per cent. “Furthermore, the need for heat is secured with renewable district heating in all cases,” Alilehto says.

A GROUNDBREAKING ENERGY PROJECT IN NORTHERN EUROPE

An energy solution at block level is groundbreaking in my aspects. “It’s rare to find a block with a single owner and the opportunity for circulating energy effectively,” Alilehto says.

There are no similar energy solutions anywhere in northern Europe, or the entire world, most likely. “We get to do something entirely new,” Davidsainen says, excited.

The openness of the co-operation is also exceptional. Fortum and Aalto University will share system data, which it is hoped will benefit the entire energy sector and related research. “We will find technological solutions if the parties have a shared will to do so,” Alilehto says.

THE NEW ENERGY CONCEPT CAN BE EXPANDED

The block’s energy system will start operating in early 2021, after which Fortum will be in charge of operation and maintenance. Sweco’s experts will continue monitoring and optimising the technical systems. “In the future, the block’s energy infrastructure can be expanded in the campus area,” Alilehto says.

To Fortum, the local energy project is a step towards the Espoo Clean Heat goals, which aim at Espoo’s district heating network becoming carbon-neutral by the end of 2029. “Our sub-goal is stopping using coal by the end of 2025,” Davidsainen states. “We are hoping that we can apply the lessons learned here and scale the concept of local energy production to other areas.”

Picture: Aalto-yliopisto / Suomen Ilmakuva Oy