Guidelines for regional energy planning were created for Tampereen Energia
Efficient utilisation of renewable energy in district heat production requires low-temperature heating networks and the development of regional energy recycling. Tampereen Energia is leading the way with Finland’s first comprehensive design guideline.
Tampereen Energia produces electricity for more than 160,000 households in the Tampere Region and heats nearly 200,000 district heating homes mainly with renewable energy. Finland’s oldest municipal energy company is also a trendsetter in the utilisation of regional low-temperature heating networks. The company open-mindedly took up the idea of Sweco´s Energy Experts to create a new quideline for energy-efficient urban areas (ENASU project).
“The drafting of the guidelines was in line with many of our interests, because in the Hiedanranta area, for example, it is topical to investigate the possibilities of an energy-efficient low-temperature heating network,” says Ville Kaleva, Business Intelligent Expert at Tampereen Energia. The aim is to enhance energy recycling and reduce carbon dioxide emissions with a low-temperature district heating network that utilises various heat pump solutions, waste heat and renewable energy.
According to Sweco’s Energy and Life Cycle Specialist Juho Rinta-Rahko, the guidelines will facilitate regional energy planning and zoning and streamline cooperation between different actors. There is a need for a design guide. “In practice, land use planning determines the energy solution of the area, but the planning processes are complex and there is no clear framework for cooperation.”
The planning of energy recycling begins already in zoning
Initially, Sweco’s experts carried out a literature survey and defined the starting points for the development project. After that, experts working with low-energy networks from different parts of Finland were interviewed and a workshop was organised for the City of Tampere and Tampereen Energia.
“We also had dozens of follow-up discussions with the City units responsible for zoning, plot transfer, building supervision and climate policy,” Rinta-Rahko says. It is important to take energy recycling into account already in the zoning and planning phase of the area. “The perspective of the developers in the area must also be taken into account.”
In addition to Sweco’s energy and life cycle expertise, Sweco’s experience in structural and building services design was utilised in the preparation of the guide. The perspective was scaled from real estate to regional energy solutions and to the national level. “When planning the energy system, the impacts on both local district heat production and the load on the national electricity network should be taken into account,” Rinta-Rahko says.
Guidelines for regional energy planning open to all
Kaleva is pleased with the active approach of Sweco’s experts in both starting the process and implementing it clearly. “The atmosphere was warm, information flowed well and working together was relaxed.”
The quideline, which is freely available to everyone, describes the entire regional energy planning process in a practical way. Rinta-Rahko encourages municipalities to make use of the ready-made guidelines.
“Above all, it is a support tool for energy planning, guidance and zoning, ensuring that the right issues are discussed and decided at the right time.”
The project has received support from the Ministry of the Environment for municipal climate and circular economy projects.
Picture: Tampereen Energia