Current research projects

• Sustainable Bioenergy Solutions for Tomorrow (BEST)
  In this this CLEEN and FIBIC joint research programme, NorTech Oulu participates in WP1 (Bioenergy scenarios and strategies in global and local scales) and WP4 (Enhanced business opportunities through securing sustainability) and is responsible for developing qualitative and quantitative assessment measures for social sustainability, assess the the social licence to operate, as well as perform horizon scanning for bioenergy social sustainability.

• Smart energy networks in the North
  The purpose of this research is to define the framework for developing smart energy networks in northern Finland as an integral part of a sustainable energy economy in the North. The research is currently conducted in frames of the Academy of Finland -funded project "Smart Energy Networks 2050: Modelling of energy and information fluxes, impact of user response on decarbonisation"

• Renewable Community Empowerment in Northern Territories (RECENT)
  The RECENT project aims to increase energy knowledge in rural communities, and help them to have more resilient and energy efficient public infrastructure. The target communities are small, remote, and face challenges to public infrastructure, such as competing uses for land and water, combined with climate change impacts. RECENT will support communities to become more energy-self-sufficient, by developing small-scale solutions, building synergy between critical public infrastructure. The project is funded by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme.

• Healthy Food and Lifestyle Choices in the Arctic
  The main aim of this project is to contribute to a more healthy diet in a changing Arctic through bringing scientists and stakeholders from Norway, Finland and Russia. The project will map the status of diet and lifestyle choices and related health impacts, as well as food wastage in the studied regions. The objective is to contribute to a more healthy diet and reduced food waste in the changing Arctic. The project is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

• POLARCODE
  The Polar Code issued by the International Maritime Organization is an international binding norm addressed to vessels sailing in Arctic and Antarctic waters. The code presumes more rigorous safety and environmental regulations for Arctic waters compared to other sea areas. The aim of the POLARCODE project is to collect information needed in the implementation of the Polar Code and to give recommendations concerning safety and environmental regulations in Finland. The project is funded by a research and analysis grant provided by the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office.

Recently finalized projects

• Water Asset Renewable Energy Solutions (WARES)
  The objective of this Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) project was to asses to potential of water service companies to enhance their energy efficiency and realize their potential of renewable energy use in their operations.

• Roadmap to a smart Arctic specialization (SMARCTIC)
  This Tekes strategic project described a future vision and delivered a roadmap toward maintaining and further developing the Finnish Arctic expertise.

• Increasing the competitiveness of SMEs through energy efficiency
  The project promoted energy-efficient solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase their competitiveness. In the project, energy audits will be performed, energy efficiency demostrations and training was provide for SMEs.

• Enhancement of Oil Spill Response System by Establishing Oil Database
  In this Kolarctic ENPI CBC project, the objective was to improve the mechanism of effective coordination between international response forces in case of emergency spills of Russian oil in the waters of northern seas, taking into account the prediction of oil behavior in cold environments.

• Green cities and settlements (GREENSETTLE)
  The aim of this project was to encourage the development of green cities and settlements in the Republic of Karelia. The main target was to contribute to the long-term spatial development of the area by proposing a balanced progress of the economical and social requirements.

• Sustainable waste management solutions for tourist centres in Lapland
  This project promoted waste-to-energy solutions for remote areas in Lapland.
  
   

• Future biorefineries (FuBio JR2)
  In this Forestcluster Strategic Centre of Science, Technology and Innovation research programme, NorTech Oulu participated in WP7 on Modelling and piloting, where in Task 2 on sustainability we proposed social sustainability indicators and assessment tools.
  

Coordination activities

• Sustainable Northern Communities: Integrating smart systems, structures and change (LUMINOUS RC)
  The LUMINOUS Research Community is a collaboration effort of 120 researchers united by the common goal of promoting sustainable Northern communities. The RC will create a platform enabling cooperative response to existing and future challenges.

• Environmental Technology Development Programme
  The aim of the programme is to coordinate environmental technology research of the university, increase collaboration within and beyond the university (esp. with business life and research institutes) and to offer forums for researchers to meet and exchange information.

Earlier projects and academic events