The City of Lappeenranta included in a high-level EU ceremony about the importance of energy independence for Europe and its security
The City of Lappeenranta participated in a high-level EU Covenant of Mayor’s Ceremony Cities and Towns Securing Europe’s Future in Brussels on 16 October 2025.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of energy independence for Europe. The event was opened with speeches by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Vice President Raffaele Fitto, and President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, as well as President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, and other distinguished high-level speakers.
During the event, Lappeenranta also received the Covenant of Mayors 2025 Award that the city had won earlier this spring for heat decarbonisation success. The award was received by Sanna Koskenranta, Chairwoman of the City Council, who also had the honor of participating in a panel discussion in the European Parliament Hemicycle.
– In the panel discussion, I pointed out that the behaviour of ordinary people is important, but big changes happen when companies also change their ways of operating.
Koskenranta said that it is now simple and practical to choose green energy in Lappeenranta, which is primarily due to the reduction of district heating emissions. At the event, she praised the cooperation between the city and LUT University, and thanked the university for its daily work in solving global challenges.
However, Koskenranta's message to the EU was strong.
– I emphasised that we expect the EU and also the government to take the challenges of the border region seriously and to transform words into actions. In particular, this means support for significant green transition projects.
Praise for the heat decarbonisation strategy
Lappeenranta was praised for its heat decarbonisation strategy and achievements, which would serve as an inspiration to other cities across Europe, according to the Covenant of Mayors jury.
The jury also applauded Lappeenranta's ambitious carbon neutrality goals, commitment to energy self-sufficience and the city's already low carbon dioxide emissions from district heating.
– We have made a successful energy transition in district heating production. First, the transition from natural gas to bioenergy was implemented in 2010. Now, the change towards climate-neutral electricity and the utilisation of waste heat has begun. In Lappeenranta, new technologies have also been piloted in district heating production. The change is good for the climate and helps residents get affordable clean energy, Koskenranta states.
Lappeenranta strives for sustainable and affordable heating solutions based on low-emission electricity and the utilisation of waste heat. The solutions contribute to achieving the city's goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
According to Environmental Director Ilkka Räsänen, Lappeenranta is testing and experimenting with various new solutions that accelerate the change.
– These include, among others, an electrically rechargeable heat accumulator, a 10,000m3 heat storage, an electric boiler and the utilisation of waste heat. In addition, the city has, without prejudice, tested solutions that improve the energy efficiency of buildings. For example, some of the buildings have participated in the main grid’s elasticity of demand service, which has provided flexibility to the electricity market.
– We are currently testing elasticity of demand for district heating in the buildings of the city’s housing service, Lappeenrannan Asuntopalvelu Oy, with the aim of seeking flexibility and savings in heating costs. The city has also tested demand controlled ventilation in its own buildings, where the ventilation has been regulated using indoor carbon dioxide and humidity.
The city has received international praise for its technological innovation.
– We have tested various solutions with the help of EU funding. At the same time, we have also been able to share information and expertise with others, says Räsänen while thanking local companies Lappeenrannan Energia Oy and Lappeenrannan Toimitilat Oy.
More information
Ilkka Räsänen, Environmental Director
Tel. +358 40 0815 284, ilkka.rasanen@lappeenranta.fi