Nordic Energy Capital

Helping Residents Understand Energy and Providing Tools for Developers

We help property owners better understand how buildings use energy and how energy consumption affects everyday costs. We also engage children and young people in learning how energy is used and how we can build a sustainable future.

We also reach out to residents whose voices are not always heard in urban development, ensuring that the energy transition is accessible to everyone. We work with students, tenants and immigrants, among others.

An Example of a Modern Energy System

Nordic Energy Capital (NEC) is an international development project coordinated by the City of Vaasa. Together with residents, businesses and experts, Vaasa is developing new system-level solutions for the energy transition. The aim is to demonstrate in practical terms how the production, distribution and consumption of heat and electricity form an interconnected and mutually supportive system in a modern energy system.

Digitaalinen kaksonen, datamalli ja osallistamistavat

Digital Twin, Data Model and Citizen Engagement

At the heart of the project is a digital twin of the integrated energy system in Vaskiluoto. The digital twin enables stakeholders to monitor and develop the interconnected system of energy consumption, energy sources and equipment, explore sector coupling, and safely test new solutions in a virtual environment.

The digital twin enables, among other things, the simulation of high-temperature heat pumps, the modelling of heat demand profiles in energy-intensive industrial areas, and the assessment of how these solutions could be integrated into and operate within the district heating system. We are also exploring how surplus heat from industrial areas could be utilised more efficiently in the future, potentially even by converting it back into electricity.

Alongside technology, the role of people and society is essential in the energy transition. System-level transformation requires open and inclusive approaches, as well as reliable and shared indicators for energy efficiency. Together with residents, we use satellite and energy data to explore the spatial energy efficiency of urban areas through geospatial analysis.

We support the city’s climate action and strengthen its position as a pioneer in smart solutions.

This work is linked to the City of Vaasa’s Energy Education Pathway, which supports children’s and young people’s learning at different ages and makes energy-related topics understandable and engaging. The activities of the Vaasa 4H Association complement school education, particularly through leisure and extracurricular activities.

Resident Portal and Simulation Tools

As a project outcome, we will develop an interactive, machine learning-based portal that helps people understand energy use in new ways. The portal will enable us to identify, for example, heating and cooling losses in both energy systems and the built urban environment, supporting smarter decisions on energy management and consumption.

Climate change and fluctuating energy prices affect everyone. District heating is an essential part of everyday life, and its development has a direct impact on:

• Housing costs and the impact of energy price spikes
• Energy availability
• Environmental well-being

The NEC project supports Vaasa’s climate action and strengthens the city’s role as a pioneer in developing solutions that can also benefit other cities.

Bringing Together the City, Businesses, Communities and Universities

The project supports Vaasa’s ambition to become carbon neutral and a bold frontrunner that sets an example for other cities in Finland and across Europe. In addition to the City of Vaasa, the project brings together Technology Centre Merinova, the University of Vaasa, Vaasan Sähkö, EPV, the 4H organisation and international partner cities. Together, they develop solutions that create local value and have an impact beyond the city’s borders.

The project results will be implemented internationally by Umeå in Sweden, Alcalá de Guadaíra in Spain and Fyli in Greece.