In Finalnd, Nordic energy-as-a-service (EaaS) provider Adven Group has announced that it is investing in the district heating system in Levi, adding an electric boiler and an accumulator tank for heat storage. The investment decision responds to the growing heat demand in the area and the need for changes in the energy system.
The growth of the Levi area and the development of tourism have increased the demand for district heating.
The investment, the value of which has not been disclosed, will improve production flexibility, support carbon neutrality targets, and strengthen security of supply as the Levi region expands.
Levi’s tourism and accommodation capacity will grow significantly in the coming years. This requires infrastructure to evolve with growth. The security of supply and responsibility of the energy system are key factors for the vitality of the entire region, said Jouni Palosaari, CEO of Levi Ski Resort Oy.
Complement existing bioheat system
The current system requires additional capacity, flexibility, and risk management, especially for peak load situations.
The electric boiler and district heating accumulator complement the current bioheat production structure and bring flexibility to the energy production.
An electric boiler enables the use of inexpensive and emission-free electricity in heat production when it is appropriate for the market and the system.
At the same time, the production structure will become more diverse and dependence on individual fuels will decrease.
This investment is a response to the changed needs of our district heating system. We need a more flexible, low-emission and cost-effective form of production to support the whole, especially as the area grows, said Juha Kuivinen, Director for District Heating in Finland at Adven.
A more flexible system supports price stability
The investment directly supports carbon neutrality goals by reducing heat production based on combustion.
The electric boiler is part of a broader transition towards electric and bio-based solutions, which are also central to future security of supply and sustainability requirements.
An electric boiler and a district heating accumulator enable production to be optimized in different situations.
Flexible production improves the ability to respond to market changes, manage production peaks, and control costs in the long term, thereby supporting the competitiveness of district heating.
For customers, the investment will be reflected above all in better security of supply and support for price stability.
Locally, the project strengthens the sustainability of Levi’s energy system and supports the area’s attractiveness and vitality amid growing tourism.
For customers, the investment will be reflected above all in improved security of supply and support for the price stability of district heating. At the same time, we are taking a concrete step towards lower-emission district heating that meets future requirements, Juha Kuivinen said.
Technical functionality with environmental consideration
The investment consists of a 5 MW electric boiler and a circa 40 MWh district heat accumulator tank.
The district heat accumulator will be in the yard area of the current heating plant, while the electric boiler will be built along the district heating network.
The project will start in spring 2026, and the goal is to start heat production in autumn 2027.
If necessary, the exterior and cladding of the facility will be designed in cooperation with the architects so that it fits into the Levi landscape and the existing building stock, Juha Kuivinen concluded.
