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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euractiv or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: German company MAN Energy Solutions will build the world’s largest air-to-water heat pump in Helsinki, Finland, to support the city's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030
• The 33 MW heat pump will be part of the district heating system, utilizing surrounding air to generate heat
• The initiative is led by Helsinki’s utility company, Helen Oy, and will launch in 2026
🔭 The context: This new heat pump will significantly reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels for heating in Helsinki
• It will work alongside two 50 MW boilers to ensure sufficient heat supply even in extreme cold, down to -20°C
• Concerns over potential reliance on biomass for heating were addressed in a 2021 contest, which ruled out wood-burning solutions, favoring more sustainable alternatives like heat pumps
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The use of heat pumps instead of biomass or fossil fuels reduces carbon emissions and aligns with EU goals for sustainable energy
• By focusing on large-scale, efficient heating systems, Helsinki sets a precedent for urban decarbonization efforts, supporting climate goals and minimizing environmental impact
⏭️ What's next: The heat pump installation is part of broader efforts in Helsinki to innovate in sustainable urban heating solutions
• As the project progresses, it could serve as a model for other cities aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency through advanced heat pump technology
💬 One quote: “We are very proud to support Helen in achieving climate neutrality in Helsinki,” said Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions
📈 One stat: The new heat pump system is expected to save 56 tonnes of CO2 annually
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