Helen’s first ground source heat site implemented in Espoo – drilling under way

Helen's initial drilling work of the ground source heat field at the site of the housing company in Espoo is now well under way. After the drilling of the ground source heat field, the work will continue with earth construction related to the heat collection piping, the installation of ground source heat pumps and other equipment, as well as contracting. By Christmas, the customer will have the benefit of a new heating solution and more energy-efficient apartment house company.

Helen aims for a carbon-neutral energy system. There is a huge potential for reducing emissions in housing through the improvement of energy efficiency in properties and increasing the use of renewable energy. Helen provides its customers with distributed energy production in addition to district heating and electricity, including solar energy and now also ground source heat.

New heat production model combines the best aspects of district heat and ground source heat

The new heat production model combines the best aspects of district heat and ground source heat and optimises their use. Ground source heat is a good alternative, but district heat or a combination of both is often the best solution. Customers can also acquire renewable district heat from Helen.

“There has recently been increasing interest towards ground source heat among housing companies and properties. Due to its long life-cycle and self-sufficient, emission-free heat production, a heating solution based on ground source heat is an attractive alternative to those considering various heating method solutions. We meet the customers’ needs by offering ground source heat solutions for housing companies, properties and city quarters,” explains Helen’s Product Group Manager Annukka Saari.

The pilot brings several renewable energy-based solutions to the property

At the current pilot site in Espoo, in addition to ground source heat, Helen is also implementing solar panels on the roof the property, electric vehicle charging points, the Kiinteistövahti solution that optimises heating in the housing company, and controls for the radiator network.

- Our Espoo pilot is an example of new, energy-efficient turnkey solutions. Helen is actively involved in developing and implementing customer solutions that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, says Sari Mannonen, Helen’s Senior Vice President, Solutions & Portfolio Development.

With the pilot sites, Helen develops heating solutions based on ground source heat for customers who want the added benefit of their own renewable energy production in their housing company. The customer has an opportunity to choose their selected heating method on a turnkey principle. The ground source heating solution includes an initial survey of the site, as well as the service and maintenance of the installed heating system.

Ground source heating solutions are implemented on a case by case basis according to the needs of the housing company and within the limits of the site and buildings. As is the case with other energy solutions, ground source heat systems must be energy-efficient, ecological and economical.

Facts:

• Helen’s first ground source heat pilot is implemented at a housing company in Espoo.
• Helen offers ground source heat solutions on a turnkey principle.
• Ground source heat sites can be individual properties or larger areas.
• Ground source heat can also be connected to district heat properties.
• In addition to ground source heat solutions specific to a property or quarter, Helen is also investigating the construction of larger-scale medium-deep and deep geothermal heating plants.