No more wasted energy – Diversifying energy production by utilizing waste heat
Systematic utilization of waste heat could diversify energy production, but the level of utilization is still very low. In Waste Heat for Utilization (Hukka) project we investigated the possibilities and challenges of waste heat utilization in the Kanta-Häme region.
Kanta-Häme aims to be carbon neutral by 2035, and the region’s municipalities, companies, and energy operators are actively seeking efficient and low-emission solutions. Systematic utilization of waste heat could reduce primary energy consumption and diversify energy production.
Waste heat is thermal energy that remains unused, generated in various processes. In addition to industrial processes, many everyday activities also produce waste heat, such as refrigeration equipment in grocery stores and cooling systems in shopping centers. In Waste Heat for Utilization (Hukka) project we raised awareness among operators in the Kanta-Häme region about the possibilities of utilizing waste heat through case studies and sought solutions to the key challenges in its implementation.
Due to changes in the energy market in recent years, the utilization of waste heat is now seen as having greater potential than before, and there has been a need for new studies. During the project, we identified the most significant sources of waste heat in the Kanta-Häme region and made them visible on a map service developed during our Energy Observatory project. The energy map service allows residents of Hämeenlinna to compare the impact of different energy investments on the energy efficiency of their own properties, and the map now also offers concrete opportunities to connect waste heat producers and users.
In addition, we produced an analysis of the current state of waste heat utilization and changes in the energy market. Based on the analysis, operators in the region will gain a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities for waste heat utilization, and the examples presented in the analysis will inspire new investments.
Information, tools, and operating models for regional operators
During the project, we worked closely with local businesses and municipalities. Companies that produce waste heat and supply technical solutions for its utilization provided us with insights into why waste heat is still underutilized in Finland despite its potential. Among other things, the costs of the necessary technology investments and long payback periods, the temporal variability of waste heat and the unpredictability of heat supply, as well as a lack of information and expertise, were highlighted as factors preventing the wider utilization of waste heat.
Our research significantly helped to raise awareness among regional operators about the utilization of waste heat, build a common understanding of the possibilities offered by modern energy solutions, and strengthen the regional energy network. In the long term, our results also support the low-carbon and circular economy goals of Kanta-Häme, as improving the efficiency of energy systems and utilizing renewable side stream energy sources play a key role in the transition to carbon-neutral energy production.
Waste heat for utilization (Hukka) project was implemented on 1.10.2024 – 28.2.2026. In the project we assessed the potential for utilizing waste heat as an energy source and sought to overcome the obstacles to its use. The project was co-funded by the European Union.
The project’s main results are elaborated in this video. Other produced material can be found on the project’s web page.
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The article picture is AI-generated.
