Helsingin Energia’s environmental experts are active in national and international committees. These bodies come under sector organisations, such as Finnish Energy Industries, VGB and Eurelectric. Common positions regarding preparation of directives were discussed with both Finnish ministries and EU institutions. Helsingin Energia’s persevering energy efficiency work plays an important role in renewal of energy conservation agreements with both cities and energy companies.

From the viewpoint of Helsingin Energia’s operating model, it is important to draw due attention to the position of combined generation of power, heat and cooling in the national emissions allocation plan for the next Kyoto period, 2008–2012. The EU has also emphasised the significance of combined heat and power generation for reaching the energy efficiency goals.

‘Common stack’ interpretation problem

In 2005, the European Commission gave a new interpretation of the Large Combustion Plants Directive (LCP). Separate boilers located in the territory of one plant were considered to form one combustion plant, if the flue gases of these boilers are led to one stack, even if through different smoke ducts. The interpretation poses a problem to Finland, as emission limits would in this case be determined according to the combined rated thermal inputs of the boilers in the plant territory. High-capacity plants have strict emission limits.

Originally the Commission was not familiar with the Nordic district heating system which requires peak power for a short period of the year. Heat is mainly generated by means of eco-efficient CHP production. During the coldest periods, boilers of peak-load heating plants are started up according to need. Their operating time is usually only 100–200 hours per year, due to which also their effects on emissions and air quality are insignificant.

In autumn 2006, the common policy of the energy sector and the environmental authorities was confirmed by the Government and presented to the Commission, which launched a consultant study of the subject. This brings the functional energy solutions of Finland and Helsinki to wider European attention.

Effect of the selected heating method

Calculating emissions from heating and cooling on the basis of their production form is not as unambiguous as in the case of electricity. Helsingin Energia has been involved in preparation of a European standard which defines the bases for calculating the effect of real estates’ heating method choices on primary energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, which means that the entire energy chain from consumption to production and the electricity market are taken into account in the calculation.

Environmental constraints for the Hanasaari area

According to the draft component master plan for the Sörnäistenranta and Hermanninranta areas, which was discussed during the year under review, also other than industrial use is planned for the area. According to the City Council’s decision, the Hanasaari A power plant will be demolished and the existing open coal yard area released for other use. At the same time, replacement coal logistics for the Hanasaari B power plant will be implemented. In 2006, constraints for these projects with respect to environmental effects, safety distances and implementation of long-term energy supply were looked into with Helsingin Energia and other co-operation parties.

In this connection, preparations are made for treating contaminated earth masses, since this has been necessary in the area’s previous construction projects as well. It is important to determine the nature of contamination and the size of the area. So far, soil testing has given no overall picture of the situation in the area, and tests will be continued. When the Hanasaari A power plant was built, asbestos was commonly used in structures. During de­molition, asbestos will be removed according to orders of the authorities.