Lappeenranta was awarded the Covenant of Mayors Award 2025 for heat decarbonisation success. The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is an initiative by the European Commission. It brings together cities that are committed to combat climate challenges. 

“The City of Lappeenranta has made a successful energy transition in district heating. First, the transition from natural gas to bioenergy in 2010. Now, change towards climate neutral electricity and waste heat has begun. Lappeenranta has also piloted new technologies. The change is good for climate and good for the citizens", says Tuomo Sallinen, Mayor of the City.

Energy sovereignty and technological innovation in Lappeenranta

The Covenant of Mayors jury commended Lappeenranta's 

• ambitious carbon neutrality goals,
• already low CO2 rates in district heating, and
• commitment to energy sovereignty.

The city had already made significant strides in cutting heat-related emissions by transitioning from individual to district heating, first powered by natural gas and later by biomass. Now, it’s pushing for carbon neutrality by 2030 by embracing low-cost, low-emission electricity to transform its district heating.

Thermal energy storage

The city’s efficient thermal energy storage uses AI-driven algorithms to optimise charging based on capacity, electricity prices, and heat demand. This improves affordability and ensures equitable access to energy. The jury applauds the city’s technological innovation, as well as the dedication to sharing knowledge for broader replication.