Joint Projects – Boosting Energy and Material Efficiency in Finland
In our joint projects, experts and professionals from different fields work together to address the energy and material efficiency challenges faced by Finnish companies and municipalities in their everyday operations.
Motiva brings together companies that use energy and materials, as well as experts and technology providers with in-depth knowledge of the challenges being addressed. As a result of this collaboration, practical, solution-oriented knowledge and workable solutions are generated that can be directly applied in the Finnish operating environment.
Support for sustainability work and energy efficiency agreements
The joint projects support the responsibility work of companies and municipalities and the implementation of energy efficiency agreements in different sectors. At the same time, they strengthen the sustainable development and competitiveness of Finnish industry and the public sector as a whole.
The projects will generate practical knowledge to support sustainability work, accelerating the identification and adoption of cost-effective solutions.
What do you get from participating?
By taking part in our joint projects, you will gain access to extensive expertise and concrete solutions to improve the cost-effective use of energy and materials.
Benefit from valuable information
- Action to implementation – increased knowledge and understanding helps to put measures into practice
- Direct economic benefits from energy and material savings
- Assessment of the current situation, including measurements, proposed measures and profitability calculations
Build Competence and Share Experiences
- Developing skills through practical work
- Sharing experiences and views with other actors
- Making use of the multidisciplinary expertise of the Task Force
Find new partnerships and make a difference
- Identifying suitable and viable solutions
- Establishing contacts for further discussion and cooperation
- Influencing key stakeholders in Finland
Examples of joint projects
Joint Projects in Energy Efficiency Management: Learning and Peer Exchange
Since 2023 Motiva has coordinated several joint projects related to energy efficiency management, in which companies learned about the implementation and development of the ETJ+ system from experienced experts and from one another.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industry through Electrification
Improving Energy Efficiency in Industry through Electrification joint project (2024–2025) explored solutions for electrifying various industrial processes and utilising industrial waste heat sources.
The project focused in particular on: high-temperature heat pumps, electric generation of high temperatures, electric boilers, electricity-to-heat solutions (including technologies and storage combined with demand-side flexibility), and optimisation of energy efficiency through smart solutions.
In addition, the project produced a literature review examining technologies and smart solutions for industrial electrification, their level of maturity, application potential, and energy efficiency impacts across different industrial sectors.
Participants: The joint project involved Canatu Oy, Metsä Board Oyj, Boliden Harjavalta Oy, Peab Industri Oy, Purso Oy, Mäkelä Alu Oy, Lempeä Lämpö Oy, Saarioinen Oy, STEP Oy, Valmet Automotive Oyj and BEWI RAW Oy, as well as equipment and solution providers ABB Oy, Siemens Oy, Elstor Oy, Rasol Oy and Calefa Oy. A-Insinöörit Oy acted as the consultant for the project. Aalto University and LUT University also participated.
The project was funded by the participating companies and the Finnish Energy Authority.
Electrification, Waste Heat and Heat Pumps in Industry
Industrial-scale heat pumps and other electrification solutions are key to reducing the use of fossil fuels in industry and improving energy efficiency.
Measurements and various assessments were carried out at participating industrial companies to identify the most feasible solutions and measures for improving energy efficiency and reducing corporate CO₂ emissions. Through workshops conducted together with leading equipment and solution providers, solutions were advanced towards implementation and the competence of the entire project group was strengthened based on expert input and peer learning.
In addition to concrete commercial solutions, the project also utilised the results of university thesis work, while experiences from industry were shared with students and researchers.
The joint project involved Boliden Kokkola Oy, Boliden Kevitsa Oy, Metsä Group, Orion Oyj, Rudus Oy, SSAB Europe Oy and Umicore Finland Oy, as well as ABB Oy, Calefa Oy, Caligo Industria Oy, Elstor Oy, Oilon Oy and Valmet Technologies Oy. Elomatic Oy acted as the consultant for the project.
The project was funded by the participating companies, the Finnish Energy Authority, and STEK ry (the Finnish Electricity and Energy Efficiency Promotion Centre).
Energy Efficient Electricity Uses
The Energy Efficient Electricity Uses joint project (2020–2021) explored opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of fan and pumping systems in Finnish industry. The work focused in particular on fan and pump applications powered by electric motors.
In addition, the project produced procurement guides for energy-efficient electric motors, pumps and fans.
The results of the project increased knowledge and understanding of energy-efficient pumping and fan systems and their importance. At the same time, attention was directed to a significant area of energy use in Finland and to improving its energy efficiency as part of national climate action to reduce emissions.
The joint project involved Ahlstrom-Munksjö Glassfibre Oyj, Metsä Board Oyj, Sinebrychoff Supply Company Oy, ABB Oy, Koja Oy and Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy.
The project was funded by STEK ry (the Finnish Electricity and Energy Efficiency Promotion Centre), the Finnish Energy Authority, and the participating companies.
Energy-Efficient Water Utility
Finnish water utilities were seeking new ways to improve their energy efficiency under the leadership of the Finnish Water Utilities Association and Motiva. The joint sector project compiled and shared information and experience on measures and technical solutions that help all Finnish water utilities use energy more efficiently and cost-effectively.
The project produced practical examples and guidance on energy efficiency measures in water services, as well as information on various solutions that promote energy efficiency. The project also sought new solutions to support smarter energy use in water utilities.
The Energy-Efficient Water Utility project (2016–2018) involved a total of 15 water utilities from across Finland, along with a number of equipment, service and system suppliers. The participating utilities contributed their expertise and implemented new energy-saving measures.
Participants included the Finnish Water Utilities Association, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), Hämeenkyrön kunnan vesihuoltolaitos, Hämeenlinnan Seudun Vesi Oy, Kuopion Vesi, Kurikan Vesihuolto Oy, Lahti Aqua Oy, Lempäälän Vesi, Nokian Vesi Oy, Oulun Vesi, Turun Seudun Puhdistamo Oy, Turun Vesiliikelaitos, Tuusulan seudun vesilaitos kuntayhtymä, Vaasan Vesi and Vihdin Vesi, as well as ABB Oy, Flowplus Oy, Hyxo Oy, Oilon Oy and SKS Control Oy.
The project was funded by the Water Utilities Development Fund, the Finnish Energy Authority, and the participating equipment, service and system suppliers.
Energy Efficient Ventilation in Industrial Buildings
Ventilation accounts for a significant share of energy use in industrial buildings. Many industrial operations require enhanced ventilation, and there is a large stock of older buildings where ventilation systems have considerable energy-saving potential and need for improvement. Ventilation that is appropriate in terms of both function and energy use also has a decisive impact on working conditions and, consequently, on employee well-being and productivity.
In 2016–2017, Motiva coordinated a joint project with industry and equipment/system suppliers to identify solutions for improving the energy efficiency of ventilation in industrial buildings. The project focused on ventilation needs and energy efficiency challenges in different production facilities. The outcome was a set of practical guidelines on how to implement energy-efficient ventilation.
The project coordinated by Motiva involved Beckhoff Automation Oy, Corenso United Oy Ltd, Nokian Tyres Plc, Retermia Oy, TECA Oy and Valmet Technologies Oy.
The project was funded by the Finnish Energy Authority and the participating companies.
Industrial Technical Insulation
Ageing, damaged or missing thermal insulation in production equipment and lines leads to unnecessary energy losses in industry. Proper insulation of production lines and equipment improves energy efficiency, occupational safety, and the reliability of production processes.
In a joint project coordinated by Motiva (2015–2016), ways to improve the energy efficiency of Finnish industry through technical insulation were explored. The project produced a guide for industry outlining the benefits and opportunities of improved technical insulation.
Participants included Arla Oy, SCA Hygiene Products Oy Ab, Kymppi-Eristys Oy, Paroc Oy, Taminco Oy, Saimaan Eristys Oy, Saint-Gobain Rakennustuotteet Oy, Stora Enso Oyj and Rodbay Oy.
The project was funded by the Finnish Energy Authority and the participating companies.
Energy Efficiency of Heat Transfer
The Energy Efficiency of Heat Transfer project (2014–2016), coordinated by Motiva, examined ways to improve the energy efficiency of heat transfer and heat recovery in industrial facilities.
The project focused on heat transfer challenges in processes, different heat recovery solutions, handling of difficult heat flows, and the role of fouling and cleaning in heat exchanger performance.
An Energy-Efficient Heat Transfer guide was produced, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency in heat transfer as well as the typical causes and consequences of reduced heat transfer. The guide provides a concise overview of options for improving heat transfer, including maintenance, measurement, monitoring and analysis.
The project involved Biaxis Oy Ltd, Huntsman Pigments and Additives, KL-Lämpö Oy, Spirax Oy, SSAB Europe Oy and Suomen Sokeri Oy, with Pöyry Finland Oy and Motiva Services Oy also participating.
The project was funded by the participating companies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, and the Finnish Energy Authority.
Energy Efficiency of Industrial Furnaces
In a joint project coordinated by Motiva (2013–2015), a group of industrial companies and equipment suppliers using industrial furnaces examined more energy-efficient use and maintenance of furnaces.
The knowledge and experience gathered during the project were compiled into a comprehensive information package containing guidance and good practice examples on improving the energy efficiency of industrial furnaces used for different purposes. The material, available online, is particularly useful for production personnel in furnace-using industrial companies.
Participants included HKScan Corporation, Fiskars Corporation Abp, J.M. Huber Finland Oy, Kuusakoski Oy, Metso Minerals Oy, Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Aga Oy Ab, Sarlin Oy Ab, Rodbay Oy and Motiva Services Oy.
The project was funded by the participating companies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, and the Finnish Energy Authority.
Economic Utilisation of Industrial Waste Heat
The economic potential of industrial surplus heat was examined in a cooperation project coordinated by Motiva in 2012–2014, at a time when the utilisation of industrial waste heat was less common than today.
The project compiled extensive information on the cost-effective utilisation of industrial surplus heat to accelerate its recovery and use.
Studies produced within the project examined the potential of industrial-scale heat pumps and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology for electricity generation from waste heat, the use of surplus heat in fuel drying, and methods for utilising surplus heat in different types of industrial facilities.
The joint project brought together industry, energy sector actors, and equipment and system suppliers offering solutions. Participants included Boliden Harjavalta Oy, Fortum Power and Heat Oy, the City of Imatra, Metso Paper Oy, Neste Oil Oyj, Nordkalk Oy Ab, Outokumpu Stainless Oy, Ruukki Metals Oy, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, Stora Enso Oyj, Johnson Controls Finland Oy, Kaukomarkkinat Oy / Friotherm AG, Pemco Oy, Sondex Tapiro Oy Ab, Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Energy Industries Finland, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland.
Energy Efficiency of Steam and Condensate Systems
The first joint project, Energy-Efficient Steam and Condensate Systems (2010–2011), focused on improving and maintaining the energy efficiency of steam and condensate systems widely used in industry.
The project produced comprehensive guidance for improving energy efficiency in steam and condensate systems, including:
- Guidelines for assessing the energy efficiency of steam and condensate distribution systems
- Guidance for operation and maintenance personnel of steam and condensate systems
- A guide to measuring the energy efficiency of steam and condensate systems
Participants included Myllykoski Paper Oy, Metsäliitto Group, Stora Enso Oyj, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, Borealis Polymers Oyj, Oy Konwell Ab, Spirax Oy, Oy Indmeas Industrial Measurements Ab, Aalto University School of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, and Paperra Oy.
The project was funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland (TEM).
The projects have generated knowledge supporting the nationwide implementation of the Energy Efficiency Agreements in Finland.