Heat is always generated in electricity production—in cogeneration, this heat is collected and utilised as district heating. In cogeneration plants, the energy contained in the fuel can be utilised very efficiently, with an efficiency of almost 90%. Less fuel is consumed and, at the same time, total emissions are reduced significantly compared to separate production.

The environmental friendliness of heating is influenced by what acts as a heat source. In Oulu, district heating is produced at the Laanila biopower plant and the Toppila power plant using bioenergy and recycled fuels from nearby areas. Increasingly, waste and surplus heat from industry and grocery shops, for example, is also used in the district heating network. In the district heating network area of Oulun Energia, you can choose district heating to be completely carbon neutral.