The primary objectives of Porvoo’s sub-project are to reduce energy consumption and optimise energy use through digital solutions. Energy utilisation is optimised by shifting energy consumption to periods of lower demand.
Energy Savings with Artificial Intelligence
The city aims to provide comfortable and stable indoor conditions in its buildings, reduce energy consumption, and decrease the climate impact of its facility services. This is being addressed by implementing an intelligent heating control system across 19 public buildings. The AI-based system controls building heating in real-time, maintaining steady indoor conditions. The control is based on weather forecasts as well as the thermodynamics of buildings and users. District heating production also benefits from smart control, as a more stable and predictable heat load enhances production efficiency, reduces peak power demands, and minimises the need for backup plants. Through intelligent heat control, Porvoo has managed to reduce district heating consumption in these facilities by approximately 10% per heating season.
Maximising Benefits from Low-Temperature Heat
At Porvoo's Keskuskoulu, serving 450 pupils, a new district heating solution has been implemented. The building’s heating now primarily utilises the energy contained in the return water of district heating at a low temperature (40–50°C). This solution enables bidirectional use of district heating and harnesses waste heat. Energy companies also benefit, as their production efficiency improves when the return water to the plant is cooler. Additionally, the new system provides greater flexibility by reducing the need for backup power, even during extreme cold. With the introduction of bidirectional district heating and intelligent heat control, Keskuskoulu’s energy consumption has decreased by an average of 40% per heating season.
Making Information Accessible to All
Porvoo is raising awareness among residents about energy consumption by making its energy use and production data publicly visible. This transparency aims to encourage residents to adopt climate-friendly energy practices in their daily lives while creating new business opportunities for local companies. Energy consumption and production data can be monitored via the publicly accessible “Energia näkyväksi” tool (powerbi.com)
Time frame
January 2019–October 2024
Additional information
- Sustainable Development Expert, Sanna Päivärinta, City of Porvoo, firstname.lastname@porvoo.fi, Tel. +358 40 676 1479