Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant

The Vuosaari bioenergy heating plant is the latest addition to the Vuosaari power plant area, where all the buildings have been designed by Virkkunen & Co Architects since the start of power and heat production on the site in the 1980s. Producing 260 MW, the new heating plant supplies a quarter of Helsinki’s district heat and cuts 700 tons of CO2 emissions yearly.

The design’s neutral palette and abstraction aim at a timeless architectural expression. Double-skin structures harmonise visuals, and site logistics prioritise safety and flow. A compact layout situates the new boiler and biofuel areas close to existing facilities, optimising land use for future expansions. Clad in contrasting materials, the plant blends abstract geometry with landscaped surroundings, aligning with architectural goals for high-quality functional and aesthetic integration.

Location: Vuosaari, Helsinki, Finland
Client: Helen Oy
District heat output: 260 MW
Total investment value: €250M
Photography: Max Plunger
Landscape design: Sweco