Due to regulatory requirements, stored peat cannot be spread back onto the bog. Part of the stored peat can be utilised as horticultural peat, and the remainder will be used for energy purposes. Therefore, peat will continue to be used as a power plant fuel during 2026–2028, allowing the stocks to be consumed in a controlled manner. In the future, the security of heat production can be ensured without peat.

Peat production within the Oulun Energia Group has already ended, and former peat production areas are being converted to new land uses, such as afforestation or wetlands. Peat no longer plays a significant role in our energy production and has been replaced by energy wood and SRF recycled fuel.

“Last year, renewable energy sources accounted for 77 per cent of our energy production. The share of peat was only 6 per cent in 2024. Our district heating production is also electrifying rapidly, reducing the need for fuels. With the electric boilers at Laanila and Toppila, we can cover approximately 10 per cent of the heating demand and replace around 1,500 truckloads of solid fuels, such as wood and peat, annually,” says Pertti Vanhala, Business Director for Energy Production at Oulun Energia.

The revised schedule for peat use does not affect Oulun Energia’s goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. In line with the net zero target, we will reduce our total emissions by at least 90 per cent from the 2022 baseline by 2040. We will neutralise any residual emissions that cannot be reduced.