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Finland is surprising the world by launching a revolutionary technology capable of supplying 30 homes. Learn about the “monster” that is redefining energy efficiency in the country and how this achievement marks a new level in the generation of sustainable and clean energy.
The capital of FinlandHelsinki is about to mark a new chapter in the history of sustainable heating. With the construction of the world’s largest heat pump, the city plans to heat up to 30.000 homes during the harsh winters while drastically reducing carbon emissions.
The project is a central piece in Helsinki's ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The technology promises to operate even in extreme conditions, withstanding temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius.
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Powered exclusively by renewable sources, the heat pump is an example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
District heating: the heart of energy efficiency
District heating is a well-known solution for maximizing energy efficiency. It centralizes heat production in large facilities and distributes it through underground piping networks.
Despite being widely used, this system traditionally relies on fossil fuels, a practice that Helsinki seeks to change.
According to the International Energy Agency, half of the energy used for heating and cooling in Finland comes from biomass.
Still, the city is investing in new technologies to expand the use of cleaner and more renewable sources.
"Helsinki has set an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and transitioning our heating system is crucial to achieving this.”, said Juhani Aaltonen, vice president of green investments at Helen Oy, the company responsible for operating the heating unit.
How the world's largest heat pump works
Unlike traditional furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps stand out for their efficiency and versatility in any season.
They operate on a simple principle: transferring heat from a cold space to a hot space using electricity.
The Helsinki heat pump uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a refrigerant, which is different from conventional gases, which are often harmful to the environment.
According to MAN Energy, the equipment manufacturer, this method allows heat to be generated at up to 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit), even in extremely cold outdoor conditions.
With a heating production capacity ranging from 20 to 33 megawatts, depending on the air temperature, the equipment is not only the largest in the world but is also technologically unique.
It utilizes an oil-free motor compressor equipped with active bearings and high-speed motor, eliminating the need for dry gas or oil sealing systems.
Renewable energy as the main fuel
To power the heat pump, Helsinki will rely on renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. The equipment will also be complemented by 50 MW boilers, with a total capacity to supply 200 GWh of heat per year.
That's enough to heat 30.000 homes and avoid the emission of about 26.000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
"District heating projects that use climate-neutral technologies are essential to advancing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions”, said Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions.
In addition to the environmental impact, the system promises to bring stability to heating costs for consumers. Since heat production can be easily adjusted, control over energy demand should reduce price fluctuations.
A milestone in the energy transition
Scheduled to begin operating between 2026 and 2027, the world's largest heat pump presents itself as a model for other cities around the planet.
More than just a heating system, the project symbolizes a crucial step in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The Helsinki initiative reflects a broader vision of how cities can lead meaningful change on climate issues.
At the heart of this transformation, technologies such as the heat pump are proof that it is possible to combine innovation, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
As Finland’s freezing winters continue to push the limits of engineering, Helsinki is showing that the heat of progress is the most powerful fuel to overcome these challenges.
