The Miljöö Innovation Grant, which is in its second round of applications, is designed to promote projects that innovate and study the world for the better. Funding can be sought during August–September for research and development projects, and for the promotion of energy education—the common denominator is to pave the way toward a cleaner and greener future, regardless of the size of the project.

A total of 60 applicants from around Finland applied for the Miljöö Innovation Grant awarded by Oulun Energia in its first application round Decisions on the recipients of the grant were made in early 2023.

Many municipalities want to become carbon-neutral. Achieving this goal requires reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel use, and improving carbon sequestration. Carbon sinks are essential to this process, and a new model for calculating and verifying them has just been launched.

Electric bikes and electric cars now receive plenty of attention, but there is also a need for a smart form of eco-friendly mobility that fits between these two. SledGO, developed by Oulu-based Pintone Oy, fills this gap and gives a foretaste of how people can get around smartly for shopping, commuting or leisure.

Nowadays, there is intense interest in renewable raw materials. Brightplus Oy applied for and received funding for a project to introduce bio-ash into granules that could be used to replace plastic. This successful work also led to the immediate development of two real products, a biodegradable pet litter and a 3D filament containing bio-ash.

District heating and the fuels used to produce it have been the subject of much media and political debate. Pekka Huhtala’s Master’s thesis goes to the heart of a highly topical issue, and will outline fascinating scenarios for the future of district heating and the transition to a more sustainable system.