Vatajankoski wins at the Global District Energy Climate Awards

Vatajankoski has been recognized in the Modernization category at the 2026 edition of the Global District Energy Climate Awards, which highlight exceptional achievements in district energy systems.

The award reflects Vatajankoski’s commitment to delivering clean, flexible, and resilient energy. Gradyent’s Digital Twin supports this ambition by optimizing the district heating system as part of Vatajankoski’s ongoing modernization journey.

“We are very honored to be awarded in the 9th Global District Energy Climate Awards for the modernization of the Kankaanpää district heating network. Through a determined shift to renewable and surplus heat sources, such as waste heat from industry and data centers, we have reduced carbon emissions by 99% between 2020 and 2025.

Today, some 70% of Kankaanpää’s district heating is produced without combustion. With digital twin optimization, we aim to further enhance system efficiency and reliability. This modernization project demonstrates the dedication and commitment of Vatajankoski’s team to pioneering New Energy and sets a benchmark for resilient, low-carbon district heating worldwide.”

Eero Hammais, Head of Communications, Vatajankoski

A partnership built for innovation

Vatajankoski and Gradyent formalized their collaboration in 2024 through a six‑year agreement focused on optimizing the company's heating system, following a successful two-year collaboration where the Digital Twin was implemented to enhance real-time operation, reduce heat losses, lower CO₂ emissions, and minimize operational costs.

From the beginning, the partnership was built around a shared ambition to modernize district heating operations and accelerate decarbonization. Gradyent’s role focused on providing the digital intelligence and real‑time optimization capabilities required to support Vatajankoski’s bold operational and sustainability goals.

Through the deployment of Gradyent’s Digital Twin, Vatajankoski gained a live, physics‑based model of its entire network, enabling operators to understand system behavior with unprecedented clarity. This visibility opened the doors to optimizing supply temperatures, reducing production costs, and improving overall system stability. The Digital Twin also allowed Vatajankoski to test scenarios, plan expansions, and make data‑driven decisions.

The collaboration has already delivered measurable improvements. Vatajankoski has strengthened its operational resilience, reduced emissions through more efficient temperature control, and enhanced its ability to manage peak demand.

These outcomes are not isolated technical wins but part of a broader transformation strategy that positions Vatajankoski as one of the most forward‑thinking district heating companies in Europe.