Director Prof. Alar Konist provided an overview of the department’s research groups and Prof. Anna Volkova introduced the activities of the DHC Academy. Associate Professor Oliver Järvik presented the HIGHWAY project, which investigates the application of high-temperature thermal storage to extend the service life of existing fluidized bed boilers, and Assistant Professor Sreenath Sukumaran spoke about the RISE-CTES project, which focuses on district cooling and cold thermal energy storage.
 
Professor of Practice Igor Krupenski discussed the state of Estonia’s district heating networks and the progress made in lowering supply and return water temperatures. A representative from Finnish Energy, in turn, presented Finland’s district heating system and the ongoing transition there from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The presentations provided a solid foundation for comparing the experiences of Estonia and Finland and for discussing future trends in the field.
 
As part of the visit, the delegation also toured Utilitas Tallinn Mustamäe CHP plant. Operations Manager Taisto Markus, who led the tour, introduced the guests to the plant’s structure and operating principles, as well as the fuel laboratory, turbine, and heat storage facility.
 
We would like to thank the Finnish Energy delegation for the informative meeting and interesting overview, and Utilitas for hosting the guests and providing a thorough tour!