District energy solutions are more sustainable
District energy solutions involve the production and distribution of energy (heat, cooling, electricity) for buildings, industry and transport, on a community or district scale. District energy can be more efficient and environmentally sustainable than building-level solutions, making it strategically important for area-wide and organisational net zero pathways and economic growth.
Local energy systems involve shifting production closer to consumers, in combination with smart infrastructure. Based upon local conditions, electricity can be produced from wind, solar PV or waste, for example, while heat and cooling can come from heat pumps, waste heat recovery, solar thermal or biomass. Often clever synergies can be developed, such as using the waste heat generated from cooling, industrial processes or infrastructure and combining it with smart storage solutions, to maximise value. These solutions mitigate price volatility from energy markets, reduce transmission losses, be more adaptable to local needs, improve the economy and reduce carbon emissions.
Strategic services in smart energy solutions
We at Granlund UK help local councils, cities and private property developers plan, design and implement district energy solutions which fit their needs. We also work with central government delivering strategic planning, such as heat network zoning. We help communities from planning to operations. Energy mapping, investigating low carbon supply, calculating carbon benefits and developing and implementing commercialisation services are available. We can partner with communities and companies through tendering, design and construction management.
District energy solution in Aviapolis, Finland
Our team in Finland designed a district energy solution for the Aviapolis area next to Helsinki Airport in Finland. The clients had ambitious climate goals for the 311,000 m2 mixed-use area. We examined heat, cooling and electricity solutions, using life-cycle cost analysis, emissions calculation and space limitations. The preferred option was local renewable energy generation via heat pumps and solar PV, which resulted in up to 70% CO2 emission reductions. We also helped the client with the commercialisation phase and tendering for energy partners.
