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Project cooperationUpdated on 2 October 2025

PED-X – Positive Energy Districts for Transformation:heating & cooling

Taina Tukiainen

Research Director at University of Vaasa

Vaasa, Finland

About

We are preparing a consortium for the upcoming DUT call on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). Finland has strong expertise and active collaboration in this field, combining municipal commitment, industrial leadership, and academic research. Our ambition is to design and demonstrate PEDs that integrate both heating and cooling solutions, support real-time optimization, and address system-level bottlenecks across Europe.

Our Consortium in Finland

• City of Vaasa (municipal leadership and urban strategy)

• Vaasan Sähkö (energy utility, district heating & cooling)

• Danfoss, ABB, Wärtsilä, TietoEvry (industrial technology providers)

• University of Vaasa (research lead, energy systems, digital optimization)

This builds on the BET – Boosting Energy Transformation project funded by Business Finland.

Key Themes & Contributions

• District heating & cooling as a Nordic pathway to carbon neutrality

• Real-time energy optimization and digital tools for smart PEDs

• Demonstration pilots in Vaasa with strong municipal and industrial backing

• Cross-European learning: identifying and solving systemic challenges in different climate zones

What We Are Looking For

• European cities/regions interested in piloting PEDs

• Research institutions with expertise in climate adaptation, energy modeling, and social acceptance

• Industrial partners in renewables, digital platforms, storage, and mobility integration

• Coordinators or co-coordinators already forming consortia for the PED call

Why Partner With Us?

Finland’s district energy expertise, combined with municipal commitment and industrial innovation, provides a robust basis for PED pilots. We offer strong links between research, industry, and city governance — ensuring results can scale across Europe.

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