Metsä Fibre and local energy company Rauman Energia have signed an agreement to channel surplus heat from the Rauma pulp mill into the city’s district heating network.
The arrangement will cover an estimated 10–20% of Rauman Energia’s total heating demand, providing local households with renewable energy while reducing reliance on oil during backup and peak-load periods.
“This significant additional capacity diversifies our heat production. Importantly, it means we won’t need to resort to oil use in backup and peak-load plants as quickly. The agreement also aims to reduce production costs and district heating emissions,” said Marko Haapala, CEO of Rauman Energia.
Rauman Energia expects the heat supply to be particularly valuable during spring and autumn, when demand is moderate. The company plans to begin receiving heat from Metsä Fibre in early autumn 2026, supported by a new 2.5-kilometre pipeline and a heat transfer station at the mill.
The Rauma pulp mill already produces all of its required energy from production side streams, generating a surplus that contributes to the national grid and the adjacent sawmill. Expanding the use of this renewable surplus will further improve the energy efficiency of the integrated pulp and sawmill complex, reinforcing Metsä Group’s sustainability goals.
“In the future, our surplus heat will also be used in Rauma homes and properties. We are delighted to play an even more significant role in the local community,” said Jaakko Ikonen, Mill Manager of Metsä Group’s Rauma pulp mill.
Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, is a leading producer of bioproducts, biochemicals, and bioenergy, as well as a global market leader in softwood pulp. The company also manufactures sawn timber and operates modern bioproduct mills in Finland. Metsä Fibre is headquartered in Espoo, Finland, and employs about 1,600 people.
