Briefly in English

WHAT IS URBAN ENERGY Finland?

The energy transition and efforts to tackle climate change and reduce energy dependency on Russia are all progressing at an increasing pace in both Finland and Europe. The swiftly changing operating environment and uncertainties faced by the energy sector also pose challenges for energy companies operating in urban environments, who have a vital national role in the development of the entire energy sector. The climate goals of Finland and the production and distribution of clean and secure energy are being shouldered primarily by the energy companies operating in urban environments.

Urban energy companies aware of their societal responsibility understand that a rapidly changing world requires flexibility and an increased capacity for engaging in social dialogue. To advance these goals, thirteen major urban energy companies founded Urban Energy Finland (Energiakaupungit ry) at the start of 2022 to act as an ambassador for these companies on the national and EU level.

The members of Urban Energy Finland are committed to the provision of modern, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions to suit consumer needs in developing cities.

Urban Energy Finland promotes open and transparent competition that provides consumers with the most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Its primary objectives are improving the operating conditions of urban energy companies, promoting the heating and power grid business, and managing the shift in the operational environment caused by the energy transition.

The 13 member companies of Urban Energy Finland are: Alva-yhtiöt Oy, EPV Energia Oy, KSS Energia Oy, Kuopio Energy Ltd, Lahti Energia Oy, Lappeenrannan Energia Oy, Oulun Energia Oy, Pori Energia Oy, Seinäjoen Energia Oy, Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy, Oy Turku Energia – Åbo Energi Ab, Vaasan Sähkö Oy ja Vantaan Energia Oy.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AKU AARVA

“My main duties include promoting both a predictable and stable investment environment and market-based competition.”

Aku Aarva
Executive Director
aku.aarva@energiakaupungit.fi
+358 41 432 6510
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Aku Aarva is a Master of Administrative Sciences (University of Tampere) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (JAMK University of Applied Sciences) who has been serving as Executive Director of Urban Energy ry since November 202. His main duty is to act as an advocate for urban energy companies in public discussion and debate. His duties involve representing the interests of Urban Energy, societal relationships, managing a matrix organisation, leading experts, and implementing strategy.

You can contact the Executive Director regarding any matters relating to Urban Energy Finland.

THE ENERGY TRANSITION FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF URBAN ENERGY

Addressing climate change and utilising new technologies are of central importance for promoting the energy transition. The climate goals of the EU and the national climate goals of Finland are rapidly changing the operating environment in the energy sector, with some of the changes being difficult to predict. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable and zero emission energy has already been put forward as a national and international goal, but Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine has accelerated the transition.

The members of Urban Energy Finland have been focused on developing environmentally friendly energy systems for decades. Approximately 65% of energy and more than 60% of district heating provided by the members of Urban Energy Finland are currently being produced from renewable energy sources. The energy transition will continue to gather pace, and energy production will be almost entirely renewable and emission free by 2030. The member companies of Urban Energy Finland have already cut over 60% of their emissions during the last decade. In 2020 alone, the member companies invested almost EUR 630 million in the maintenance and development of their business operations.

In addition to use of new technologies spurred on by climate goals, the development of service business activities and digitisation play an important role for the members of Urban Energy Finland. The member companies of Urban Energy Finland aim to optimise energy consumption in such a way that the role of consumers and the industry is highlighted in the utilisation of balanced energy consumption and energy-efficient solutions. In the future, it is likely that new energy technology will strengthen the role of consumers in the production and storage of energy.

In Finland and Europe, energy and climate policies have become increasingly interlinked. As a result of the technological transition, the regulation and market models used in the sector do not entirely correspond even to current needs, let alone future ones. The uncertainty of the political environment and regulations causes challenges to arise in the investment environment, as investments made in this sector are considerable and they must be made based on multi-decade forecasts. At worst, this may slow the deployment of new technologies. It may also prematurely reduce the value of existing investments. An uncertain operating environment may, at worst, lead to occasional energy shortages, the regression of urban development and business operations, and security of supply problems if, for example, fossil fuels are abandoned prematurely.

The members of Urban Energy Finland are more than just energy suppliers for cities. We are also at the forefront of developing the surrounding regions and a central pillar of the national security of energy supply.