Turku, Finland
The City of Turku, located in southwestern Finland, is on a mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029, coinciding with its 800th anniversary. The energy sector, particularly heating, plays a crucial role in this ambitious goal. Historically, heat has been a major contributor to regional emissions. However, through determined actions and investments in the energy infrastructure, heat emissions have significantly decreased since 1990, with even greater reductions from the peak years around 2010.
From Emissions to Efficiency: Turku's Journey to Carbon Neutrality
As a Nordic city, heating is essential for both comfort and maintenance security. Reducing dependency on fossil fuels ensures sovereignty and makes the community more resilient to energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Turku's ambition is to enable its citizens to live sustainable, low-emission lifestyles.
Partnering with the local energy company, Turku Energia, the city has advanced its energy transition by increasing the share of renewable energy sources and implementing innovative solutions like waste heat utilisation. The Kakola heat pump facility, for instance, produces both district heating and cooling from purified wastewater, contributing to about 8% of the city's district heating needs and 85% of total district cooling needs.
Collaboration Drives Turku's Energy Transition
The City of Turku's ambitious energy transition is powered by collaboration. Turku Energia plays a pivotal role in the city's climate plan, seamlessly integrating the transition into strategic initiatives. This collaboration extends beyond the city, enabling other local companies to achieve carbon neutrality.
A prime example is the pharmaceutical giant Bayer, which utilises emission-free heat and electricity provided by Turku Energia. Together, they are constructing Turku's largest solar park.
Consumers also reap the benefits of this transition. Beyond reducing emissions, energy transition investments save consumers €30 million annually, with even greater savings during energy crises.
District Heating: A Key Component in Turku's Carbon Neutrality Plan
District heating is vital in Turku, covering 90% of households in the area. In 2023, district heating accounted for 18% of the region's CO2 emissions. The city aims to achieve a fully renewable district heating system by 2029, a goal that appears within reach.
The current strategy relies on certified biomass from Finland and the Baltic countries, including forest industry residues and side streams. For example, the multifuel plant in Naantali, a town nearby, and other smaller plants in the area use biofuels to produce district heating. Additionally, heat from electric boilers and waste heat is being used to replace traditional burning-based sources, with plans to further increase their share. Energy storage solutions will also play a role in achieving carbon neutrality in district heating.
Main challenges to detoxify heat and next steps:
- The city’s energy company Turku Energia has invested in renewable and carbon-neutral energy production since 2001, and the biggest investments have already been made.
- In 2023 an additional investment decision in electric boiler was made.
- Besides electric boilers waste heat and energy storage will be utilised to reach carbon-neutrality in district heating.
Where Turku is in its heat strategy
Turku region wastewater treatment plant
Turku's Heat Detox
+ Electric boiler and SRF-recycled fuels
Key Heat Figures
Emissions related to heating: 61,7 kt CO2-ekv in 2024
- Km of DHC currently: 620 km
- Km of DHC planned: 625 km
Percentage of renewables in heating system: 89,0 % in 2024 in DH
Other interesting figures:
- 200 000 end-customers in district heating
- In 2024, the emissions related to heating decreased 20% from 2023.
Covenant Figures
- Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since: 2010
Overall CO2 emission reduction target: -90% CO2 emission reduction by 2029 compared to year 1990, climate-positive from then onwards. -63% CO2 achieved in 2023.
- % GHG emissions reductions by 2030: Climate neutrality by 2029
City Awards
- 100 Climate-neutral and Smart Cities since 2022
- Mission Label in March 2024
- CDP A-list, best middle-sized climate city in 2020
Related links
Financing your heat strategy
Budget: Implemented examples include local energy companies’ Turku Energia's and Turun Seudun Energiatuotanto’s over 500 M€ investments in energy transition in 2014-2023, and the energy positive wastewater treatment company, Kakolanmäki Wastewater Treatment Plant.