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Otaniemi – a future world-class ecocampus VTT AND SAMSUNG are seeking solutions for improving the energy efficiency of real-estate properties. An international consortium will invest one million euros in making use of new technology to improve the energy efficiency of the properties that make up the Otaniemi campus area in Espoo, Finland. The Otaniemi pilot project, coordinated by VTT, is part of the international Korea Micro Energy Grid (K-MEG) development project, valued at more than $100 million. Through this project, Korea hopes to create practical business models and solutions, on the basis of solutions enabled by smart grids. Energy consumption is monitored using intelligent solutions, and the information is integrated into an ICTbased energy management system. The aim is a significant reduction in energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. The vision: an energy self-sufficient, emission-free campus The international pilot project is based on a more extensive, largely Finnish project. ”The Finnish project pays particular attention to local and building-specific energy solutions. Energy can be generated in a variety of ways, for example, through ground heat solutions or by making use of the sun’s heat,” says VTT Senior Scientist Jorma Pietiläinen.
The current energy use environment of the properties will be mapped out by means of sensor networks, monitoring and measurements. The properties integrate a wide variety of technologies, including wireless data transfer technologies. ”We are exploiting expertise in the fields of energy, electricity, electronics and ICT in diverse ways. Since the idea is that solutions developed during the project will be presented and sold globally, this project will provide export opportunities for companies.”
A cross-section of technology and business Otaniemi, where VTT is located, is the largest technology, innovation and business hub in Finland and Northern Europe, in terms of the number of companies located in its vicinity. There are 800 companies, 20 R&D centres, three universities and a number of Centres of Excellence in Otaniemi, Espoo. Otaniemi and its ecosystem of companies, universities and technology centres accounts for approximately 50 per cent of the R&D value of Finland. Otaniemi has twice been conferred with the Innovation Region award by the European Union.
Further information: Janne Peltonen, janne.peltonen@vtt.fi
VTT IMPULSE – BUSINESS
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