The aim of the project is to demonstrate technologies that reduce heating energy consumption, particularly in buildings. Performance is measured over a period of two years. The solution shall take into account the functionality of the whole system, i.e. with use made of a district heating network and the technical features of district heating.
The cost-effectiveness of the return water heat pump for district heating depends on the system. However, the solution is worth highlighting here, as it is a relatively unknown and untested solution but with great potential.
In addition, an Oulu Energy Plan for 2050 will be drawn up under the project, making use of demonstration and other solutions. The aim is to design the plan in such a way that it takes account of future uncertainties. One uncertainty, though positive, is the development of new clean energy technologies. The system must be flexible so that the integration of these new technologies can take place smoothly or at all. A suitably updated district heating system meets this requirement. The objective is to be able to replicate solutions. In other words, the solutions to be developed should be capable of being used very widely both in Finland and elsewhere, in a suitably customised form.
The project runs over a five-year period and seeks to disseminate tried-tested solutions in the so-called "lighthouse cities" (Oulu and Groningen), initially to "follower cities" and thus elsewhere. The project receives funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. Stakeholders from Oulu include the city of Oulu, Oulu University, Oulun Energia, VTT, Sivakka, YIT, Caverion and Arina. In addition to the international connection, one good practice to be mentioned is effective and cross-sectoral local cooperation.
