Helsinki-based, city-owned energy company Helen has selected global technology manufacturer Valmet to provide automation solutions for the world’s largest air-to-water heat pump and two electric boilers, which are currently under construction.

Upon completion, the Patola air-to-water heat pump plant will be the largest in the world with a full heating production capacity around 30 MW.

The “mission-critical” Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS) will enable flexible and efficient heat production, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and bringing Helsinki, the capital of Finland, closer to a clean-energy transition.

The system’s precise control of heat pumps and electric boilers will also ensure stable heating prices for customers.

Helen serves over 600 000 clients in Finland, providing electricity, heating and cooling, as well as renewable energy and electric transport solutions.

Having committed to sustainability, Helen is systematically reducing emissions with the goal of phasing out combustion- based energy production by 2040.

“This project strengthens our long-term energy strategy by reinforcing operational performance and helping us deliver reliable, sustainable district heating to our customers far into the future,” said Helen engineering manager Jari Maaranen.

He added that the Valmet DCS supports a clean-energy transition, enables flexible production, and optimises the operation of both the heat pump plant and electric boilers for maximum efficiency and responsiveness to demand.

“We are proud to deliver the Valmet DCS to our trusted client Helen, enabling advanced control and monitoring for their electric boilers and large-scale air-to-water heat pump plant,” said Valmet Automation Solutions business area senior sales manager Tom Bäckman.

This delivery will ensure “unmatched reliability, efficiency and scalability”, Bäckman stated, affirming that “it also supports long-term operational success and life-cycle performance, while showcasing how cutting-edge technology can support carbon-neutral energy solutions”.

The Patola plant uses outdoor air as its heat source and CO2 as the refrigerant, ensuring that the heat pump operates efficiently, even at temperatures as low as –20 °C.

The heat pump and boilers will help Helen generate over 500 GWh of heat a year, reducing emissions by more than 56 000 t. Production is scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 heating season.
The order is included as part of orders received in Valmet’s fourth quarter of 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will be taken over by the customer in March 2027.