More than 130 years ago, the people of Oulu had the courage to look ahead. The first electric street lamps marked the beginning of a journey, during which energy production has undergone many major advances.

Now it's our turn to take the next step. It is a big change, and necessary for future generations: Our strategic objective is to achieve the net zero target by 2040, in line with the Science Based Targets (SBT) framework. n accordance with the net zero target, we will reduce our total emissions by at least 90% from the 2022 baseline by 2040. We will offset the residual emissions that cannot be reduced. 

One of the key measures in achieving the net zero target is phasing out fossil-based peat and replacing it with biomass. Our energy production also utilises hydro, wind and solar power. Nuclear energy plays a minor role in the overall mix.

We are improving energy efficiency in the production and distribution of district heating. Our power plants in Laanila produce district heating and electricity using the latest technology. We are also electrifying our district heating production and have commissioned two new electric boilers at our Laanila and Toppila power plants. A fully operational electric boiler can replace around ten truckloads of other fuels in a single day. These boilers are used especially when electricity prices are low. We are also developing solutions to harness waste heat from buildings and have introduced district heating produced entirely from renewable energy sources. You can explore more detailed information about the origin of the heat here.

Ash accelerates carbon sequestration

The wood cycle does not end in the boiler of the power plant, but the resulting ash is processed into fertiliser to accelerate the growth of forests. The ash fertiliser increases carbon sequestration, and this increase will surpass the carbon dioxide emissions from our energy production in the future. That is why putting the ash to good use is an important step towards carbon neutrality and negativity.

Ash fertilisation is also part of good forest management and ensures the future availability of wood fuel.

New power from the circular economy

Our basic task is in energy production, but alongside it, the circular economy brings new growth. In our circular economy projects, we work with companies in the region to accelerate the creation of new business in the sector.

Our energy production is already utilising the circular economy. We use wood fuel from the forestry and wood industry side streams in our power plants. The Rusko sorting plant provides high-quality recycled fuel for the Laanila biopower plant, and energy waste for the Laanila ecopower plant, from material unsuitable for recycling.