Real-time district heat production

This is how we produce district heating

For years, we have been investing in increasingly sustainable energy solutions for district heating production. One of the latest additions is a massive thermal storage facility in Vaasa, which supports the transition towards entirely coal-free production.

At the Westenergy waste-to-energy plant and the Vaskiluoto power plant, electricity and heat are produced simultaneously. This ensures high energy efficiency and lower raw material consumption. These plants supply approximately 99% of Vaasa’s annual district heating needs.

The heat storage facility in Vaskiluoto, Vaasa, enables the storage of heat energy from various production sources as well as excess heat. Heat is transferred from the storage to the district heating network as needed, allowing us to efficiently optimize electricity and heat production.

At the Westenergy waste-to-energy plant, non-recyclable waste is utilized for district heating and electricity production, integrating waste as part of the energy system.

The Vaskiluoto power plant is a pioneer in biomass utilization. Over 60% of its heat production comes from locally sourced biofuels, the remainder from peat and coal. The heat storage facility reduces coal usage by up to one-third. However, in 2023 the share of coal used in our district heat production was no more than 1%.

At the Pått heat pump plant, heat energy from treated wastewater is recovered and used for district heating production. This facility, located next to the wastewater treatment plant, produces approximately 60 gigawatt-hours of district heating annually, equivalent to the yearly consumption of about 2,000 detached houses. The heat stored in wastewater is classified as renewable energy. Utilizing the thermal energy from treated wastewater is a great example of energy efficiency and circular economy.

Vaasan Sähkö’s own heat plants produce district heating during possible disruptions at the main power plants. They are also used during the coldest winter periods. These heat plants use light fuel oil and account for about 1% of Vaasa’s annual district heating demand.