A homeowner from Rovaniemi would like to heat his house with bio-oil – wonders why it is not offered as an option
A Rovaniemi homeowner is looking to switch to bio-oil heating but is puzzled by its lack of availability as an option.
Markku Leskinen, a homeowner in Rovaniemi, Finland, currently heats his three-story house with heating oil, which has worked without issues for the 23 years his family has lived there. However, like many aging homes in Finland, his is due for an upgrade to a more modern heating system, especially since the government's goal is to eliminate oil-heated homes by the early 2030s. There are approximately 90,000 to 95,000 oil-heated homes in the country, with many supplemented by alternative heating methods such as air heat pumps or solar systems. Leskinen is considering several options for upgrading, with a particular interest in domestic bio-oil made from waste. He believes that this alternative should be more accessible and questions why it is not currently offered as a viable option. The Finnish government's climate goals include a significant reduction in fossil fuel usage, and the transition to bio-oil could support this initiative, provided proper infrastructure and market conditions are established. As the country moves towards its climate objectives, homeowners like Leskinen are at a crossroads, balancing the need for a reliable heating source against the backdrop of environmental responsibility. The case not only highlights the practical concerns of homeowners but also points to a larger trend in Finland's energy policy, where sustainable solutions are becoming increasingly crucial, reflecting the shift towards greener living environments and the urgency of addressing climate change.