The heat pump solution developed and implemented in Turku Student Village PED area was awarded by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) in Brussels on 25 September 2024. Tyyssija’s heat pump solution won 1st place in the category “Heat Pump City of the Year”, which recognizes heat pump projects implemented at the local level with the support of the city. The solution was co-developed in the project RESPONSE by partners VTT, Oilon, Högfors GST, and Turku Energy.
The award-winning heat pump solution is a key element of Turku Student Village PED area and located in Tyyssija building. The solution applies circular economy principles to district cooling and heating by using return heat from district cooling as its energy source. In effect, the heat pump is recovering waste heat from other buildings and repurposing it for energy production in Tyyssija. The thermal energy can then be distributed not only to Tyyssija, but also other buildings connected to the district heating and cooling networks. Additionally, as the solution can produce district heating and cooling simultaneously, its efficiency is also higher than that of a pump producing only heating or cooling.
— Tyyssija's energy solution is a concrete example of how the principles of circular economy in district cooling and heating can be applied to urban energy management. This research demonstrates that energy-positive housing is not only possible but also highly beneficial for a low-emission future. On this journey of smart city innovation, we have successfully solved many technical challenges together with the companies. I am pleased that the award came to Turku, says Jari Shemeikka, the research team leader from VTT, who was involved in the development of the heat pump innovation.
RESPONSE partners Turku, Turku Energia, VTT, Oilon, Högfors GST, and TYS were delighted to receive the award from the European Heat Pump Association. The solution is a result of collaborative innovation between research, business, and the city.
"It is an honor to receive this award from the European Heat Pump Association, recognizing the innovative energy solutions we have developed in RESPONSE project."
— Risto Veivo, Climate Director for the City of Turku, Co-Chair of the UBC Sustainable Cities Advisory Board
— This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team and partners. The city of Turku’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2029, and climate-positive thereafter, drives us forward. As cities across Europe work toward their own climate goals, we hope Turku’s progress inspires others to adopt energy-positive solutions and accelerate the global transition to sustainability, says Risto Veivo.
The Heat Pump Awards is an annual competition organized by the European Heat Pump Association. The Heat Pump City of the Year award recognizes innovative, local projects supported by cities. More information on European Heat Pump Awards and the winners of 2024 on the European Heat Pump Association's web page.
Article by Helmi Andersson, City of Turku