South Karelia's little hydrogen valley
LUUMÄKI IS GETTING A WIND FARM WITH 14 TURBINES, AND SEVERAL SOLAR POWER PLANT AREAS ARE ALSO IN THE PLANNING STAGES.
Emission-free electricity is a prerequisite for the production of clean hydrogen. The EU criteria for clean hydrogen require that the electricity used in its production must be generated with wind or solar power. In addition, the electricity must come from new power plants so that the production of hydrogen does not take clean electricity away from other sectors, thereby indirectly increasing emissions.
We can give you exactly that: clean electricity produced by brand new power plants. We are ready for diverse collaboration with LUT University in this highly relevant field for the future.
The bioenergy heating plant in Luumäki started operation in 2016, leaving the old natural gas plant as a reserve power plant. At the same time, the energy self-sufficiency of the municipality of Luumäki soared, as 95% of the district heating is generated with wood chips produced from fuelwood purchased from local forest owners. A local operator manages the raw material purchases and operates Luumäen Energia’s three bioenergy heating plants.
Several companies, including the Lujabetoni concrete product plant, have switched to biofuels in their energy production and abandoned fossil fuels. Although a natural gas pipeline runs through the municipality, municipal and local enterprises have gradually phased out natural gas.
Luumäki is well set to start producing biogas, as the operations already have a valid environmental permit.
The municipality of Luumäki has acquired biogas-fuelled vehicles for the use of its personnel, and there is also a biogas filling station in the municipality. There is also a support scheme to encourage municipal personnel to purchase e-bikes for work-related and leisure travel.
At the moment, Luumäki is investing particularly in fossil-free nature tourism. The municipality is improving the infrastructure of the Väliväylä canoeing and kayaking route, and we are also contributing to the development of bicycle tourism. One of our greatest attractions is Lake Kivijärvi with its pristine waters, and we work hard to maintain its excellent water quality.
