Vaasa, Finland
One of the 2026 European Green Leaf cities, Vaasa is a pioneer when it comes to sustainability and innovation. Aware of the importance of a successful heat detox, as heating still accounts for 52% of the city’s emissions due to the lingering use of coal, Vaasa is now putting in place an ingenious project to deliver healthy heat.
The Vaskiluoto heat storage
A cornerstone of Vaasa's decarbonisation efforts is the Vaskiluoto heat storage. This facility, developed by EPV Energy and Vaasan Sähkö, repurposes 1970s-era oil storage caverns beneath the Vaskiluoto power plant. It has led to a reduction of over 30% in coal use and supports the transition to renewable and carbon-neutral energy in district heating. As Finland’s largest energy storage system, it plays a vital role in storing renewable energy during surplus periods and delivering it when demand and costs are highest. By improving renewable energy utilization, the storage system ensures long-term energy affordability while advancing the objectives outlined in the city’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan. To date, approximately 90% of Vaasa’s district heating and electricity production is derived from renewable sources, with the heat storage contributing significantly to this achievement.
Looking ahead, the expansion of the storage system and the integration of heat recovery through collaborations with local businesses will further enhance Vaasa’s carbon-neutral ambitions. These systems provide an efficient pathway to phasing out coal entirely, addressing peak district heating demands, and enabling greater flexibility in incorporating wind and solar energy. Additionally, they support the utilization of waste heat generated within the Vaasa region, creating a versatile, sustainable energy solution that underpins the city’s transition to a low-carbon future.
A successful heat detox for all
The Vaskiluoto energy reserve serves as a cornerstone for ensuring equitable energy access, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups by mitigating energy costs and providing reliable, essential heating for all residents in the challenging cold conditions of the Nordic region. By significantly lowering energy expenses, this innovative heat storage system plays a vital role in reducing energy poverty, enabling all residents to connect to a shared, efficient, and resilient district heating network.
In the coming years, this network is expected to become fully carbon-neutral, a transformation made possible by the integration of the Vaskiluoto energy storage. This shift not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also ensures that no one is left behind in the energy transition. The heat storage enables the entire community to participate in and benefit from Vaasa’s progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. Through this initiative, the city exemplifies how technological innovation and social equity can converge to drive transformative change in energy systems.
A vibrant ecosystem for innovation
Vaasa, with 70,000 residents, represents just 2% of Finland's population but punches well above its weight in energy innovation. The EnergyVaasa cluster, comprising 180 companies and generating €6 billion in turnover, is responsible for 30% of Finland's total energy technology exports. Dedicated to driving the global transition to renewable energy, the cluster aligns perfectly with Vaasa’s city strategy, which positions itself as The Nordic Energy Capital.
The City of Vaasa takes pride in its strong leadership within the EnergyVaasa Ecosystem, built on long-standing cooperation and trust among local stakeholders. With numerous international and local energy projects underway, involving businesses, academia, and both public and private sectors, the quintuple helix model is deeply embedded in their way of working. Collaborating to create meaningful change is part of what makes life in Vaasa rewarding.
Where Vasaa is in its heat strategy
Vasaa's Heat Detox
Key heat figures:
- Emissions related to heating: 52%
- Percentage of renewables in heating system: 90%
Covenant figures:
- Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since: 2014
- Emission reduction ambitions:
- % GHG emissions reductions by 2030: 80%
- % GHG emissions reductions by 2050: 100%
City Awards
- 2026 European Green Leaf
Financing your heat strategy
Budget: 25 Million Euros
Sources of funding (rough breakdown): EPV Electricity/Local funding, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, European Innovation Fund
Contact
Suvi Aho – Strategy Manager