Climate challenges and renewable energy sources
CLIMATE CHALLENGES, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
December 2011
The security of energy supply in Finland is based on several production forms, including the fossil fuels natural gas, coal and oil, the renewable wood, hydro and wind power, and nuclear power. Helsingin Energia together with major European energy companies has set a target of carbon neutral production by 2050.
Renewable energy
Helsingin Energia’s development programme towards a carbon-neutral future is based on the proposed targets of the EU, Finland and the City of Helsinki for the mitigation of climate change. The Management Board approved the development programme in September 2010 and passed it on for further political consideration.
It is already decided with respect to the Salmisaari and Hanasaari power plants to gradually introduce pellet or other biomass as co-fuel in addition to coal. Further studies on the possibility of increasing the use of wood-based fuels in the future, for example, bio coal or biogas, are currently being conducted. It is at the moment in the decision-making process what happens to Hanasaari power plant area and planned new multi-fuel power plant in Vuosaari.
Longer-term development includes the planning of carbon capture and storage, utilisation of solar energy, and completely new technologies.
In the near future, the smart grid will enable a higher efficiency rate of the energy system and energy saving with effective consumption control, utilisation of local renewable energy production, as well as the use of electric vehicles in traffic.
Energy efficiency in consumption and production
In addition to the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency must be enhanced in both consumption and production in order to reach the targets.
Helsingin Energia is involved in programmes that promote energy saving in accordance with the EU Energy Services Directive. With the agreements, drawn up for 2008–2016, Helsingin Energia has committed itself not only to improve its own energy efficiency, but also to develop and introduce new services that promote the energy saving by customers. We also continue providing energy advisory services for residents and customers to promote a permanent reduction in energy consumption in co-operation with Ilmastoinfo, the climate advice centre for the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Further information:
Martti Hyvönen, Environmental Director, tel. +358 9 617 2075
Tea Erätuuli, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 9 617 2415