
Vaasa
Nordic Energy Capital (NEC) - The Nordic Energy Capital
The Nordic Energy Capital (NEC) project transforms Vaasa’s urban energy system through a digital twin of the Vaskiluoto energy network, integration of satellite and ground data, and co-creation with citizens. By combining technology, data and participation, NEC will pilot scalable, low-emission solutions to optimise electricity and heat networks. The project leads the way in systemic urban energy transition, supporting Vaasa’s carbon neutrality by 2030 and enabling replication across Europe.
Our main challenges...
Sector coupling – Integrating and interconnecting different energy sectors such as electricity, heating and cooling, transport, and industry to make the overall energy system more efficient, flexible and sustainable.
Data-driven decision-making – Having and making use of accurate real-time data to assess and improve urban energy efficiency and enabling real-time detection and mitigation of heat losses.
Inclusive citizen engagement – Effectively engaging citizens, including youth, immigrants and property owners – in the energy transition.
and proposed solutions
Creation of a digital twin of the Vaskiluoto energy system to simulate modifications such as the integration of a high-temperature heat pump, and to support sector coupling to optimise electricity and heat networks.
Development of a satellite and ground data–based energy efficiency model using AI to detect heat losses, improve building performance and guide urban planning decisions.
Co-creation of an interactive online portal and tailored energy data solutions with citizens, youth, property owners, and marginalised groups to foster engagement and behaviour change.
Key figures
Milestones
Targeted energy data workshops launched with youth, residents and property owners
First digital twin of Vaskiluoto energy system launched and tested in real conditions (Living Lab)
Vaskiluoto v2.0 energy system's digital twin with integrated high temperature heat pump power plant
a machine learning model that correlates satellite and energy data to assess urban geo-spatial energy efficiency
Online portal for energy efficiency data and citizen interaction goes live
Policy and technology package prepared for use in other European cities