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Energy Storage charge the battery at prices approximately 70 – 80 percent below the spot market average. In some months, the difference has exceeded 90 percent,” says Antila. CapMan highlighted the Sand Battery as a flagship project in its sustainability report. The project has received significant attention within the company and strongly supports both its sustainability objectives and its image as an innovative investor. According to Antila, the Pornainen project is an excellent example of concrete actions that can genuinely reduce emissions.“ If we as a private equity investor have been willing to invest in a new technology, conducted thorough profitability analyses, and after one year of operation can confidently say that we are satisfied with the outcome, I believe that helps reduce uncertainty for other organizations as well,” says Antila. In addition to district heating, both Paajanen and Antila see considerable potential for Sand Battery technology in industrial steam production.“ Many industrial applications still rely on natural gas or oil to generate high temperatures. Thermal energy storage could play a significant role in these applications in the future,” says Antila.
Pornainen municipality achieves its climate goals A large share of the Municipality of Pornainen’ s own buildings are connected to the district heating network, including the comprehensive school, municipal office, and library. The municipality is also the largest single customer of the district heating network.“ The most significant measurable benefits have been improved reliability of supply, stable pricing, and reduced emissions. The positive media attention generated by the project has also increased awareness of Pornainen. Overall, the outcome has been extremely positive,” says Antti Kuusela, Mayor of Pornainen. Kuusela notes that changes in Europe’ s security environment have increased the focus on preparedness and security of supply.“ The Sand Battery has significantly strengthened the security of supply of our district heating system. The network now has greater flexibility and a better ability to cope with various disruptions,” says Kuusela. The Sand Battery also enables the expansion of the district heating network.“ The capacity of the district heating system has increased so much that the municipality’ s new
The Sand Battery’ s first year
• > 85 % Efficiency
• 100 % District heating supply reliability
• 70 % Emissions reduction
• 60 % Biomass consumption reduction
• 100 % Oil consumption reduction
Loviisan Lämpö’ s CEO Mikko Paajanen( left in the photo) presenting Sand Battery’ s technical space at Sand Battery Energy Days event in May 2026.
The transformation reduced climate emissions, stabilized energy costs, improved energy security, and increased capacity for expanding the district heating network.
multi-purpose sports and events hall can be connected to district heating, despite being a major heat consumer. The renovated comprehensive school will also utilize district heating.” Kuusela believes that successful examples encourage others to investigate alternative solutions more actively.“ I am more convinced than ever that thermal energy storage technologies can play a very important role in helping municipalities reduce emissions. At the same time, projects like this strengthen Finland’ s competitiveness and support climate targets.” The Sand Battery is 13 meters high and 15 meters wide. It uses 2,000 tonnes of crushed soapstone as its thermal storage medium. The storage capacity corresponds to approximately one month’ s heat demand in Pornainen during summer and approximately one week’ s heat demand during winter. The project received energy aid for new technology investments from Business Finland. www. heat-exchanger-world. com Heat Exchanger World October 2026
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