Helsinki converts abandoned oil caverns into underground thermal storage

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Helsinki-based energy company Helen converted two abandoned underground oil caverns in Mustikkamaa into a large-scale thermal storage facility. The project, which involved filling 260,000 cubic metres of cavern space with water to act as a 11,500 MWh heat battery, was constructed between 2018 and 2021. This infrastructure allows the city to store excess heat during low-demand periods to balance consumption peaks in the district heating network throughout the year.

Consequences

The facility is expected to reduce Helen’s carbon dioxide emissions by 21,000 tonnes annually by decreasing reliance on fossil fuel-fired heating plants during cold winter peaks. It provides a technical model for utilizing existing subterranean infrastructure to transition from oil storage to renewable energy management.

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