Coal to be phased out at Vantaa already this spring

The extension of Vantaa Energy’s Waste-to-Energy Plant will enable phasing out the use of coal. Domestic, non-recyclable energy waste from commerce and industry will be utilised as raw material in energy production in the extension of the Waste-to-Energy Plant, reducing the need to import fossil fuels into Finland. When coal is replaced with more sustainable energy sources, emissions will be reduced.

The extension of Vantaa Energy’s Waste-to-Energy Plant is progressing according to the original schedule, and the extension will be commissioned already this spring. The source of energy in the new power plant will be domestic, non-recyclable energy waste from commerce and industry. When the Waste-to-Energy Plant receives new capacity for energy utilisation of waste, coal imported from overseas can be replaced with a domestic energy source, which will reduce not only emissions, but also dependence on imported fuels.

– The extension project of the Waste-to-Energy Plant has progressed on schedule despite the exceptional conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the commissioning of the extension will take place at an excellent time in view of the geopolitical situation. The increasing capacity to process domestic, non-recyclable waste will significantly reduce the need to use imported fuels, which will increase our energy self-sufficiency, says CEO Jukka Toivonen.

The energy recovery of domestic, non-recyclable waste will reduce emissions form Vantaa Energy’s energy production when the extension of the Waste-to-Energy Plant will enable phasing out the use of coal. The goal of Vantaa Energy is to phase out the use of fossil fuels in energy production by 2026 and then to progress towards carbon negativity by 2030. In addition to environmental impacts, phasing out the use of coal will also have an impact on the price stability of heat: energy recovery of waste, diverse utilisation of renewable energy sources, and withdrawing from the price changes of fossil fuels and emission allowances will enable a stable price for Vantaa Energy’s customers also in the future.

The capacity that is increased by the extension of the Waste-to-Energy Plant will guarantee sufficient energy production to cover the heating demand of the Vantaa region. The coal-fired boiler in the Martinlaakso power plant will remain ready for deployment until further notice in order to safeguard security of supply. It will therefore be available in situations where we would face other restrictions related to sources of energy. That way, Vantaa Energy prepares to safeguard heat supplies to homes and properties in Vantaa also in potential exceptional situations.

Further information:
Jukka Toivonen, CEO, Vantaa Energy Ltd
jukka.toivonen@vantaanenergia.fi
tel. +358 50 453 6729

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