WaterHoop – Circular Water Solutions for Kilpilahti Industrial Area

Porvoo Kilpilahti – an international trendsetter

Kilpilahti, the largest chemical industry hub in the Nordic countries, is being developed into a leading bioeconomy and circular economy hub.

The WaterHoop project is based on the need to respond to the challenges of the green transition from the perspective of water use. The treatment and recycling of industrial wastewater play a key role in reducing environmental impacts, saving water, and improving cost efficiency. Wastewater recycling is a central part of industrial symbiosis and the joint utilization of resources by different actors.

The project is based in Kilpilahti, Porvoo, home to the largest oil refining and petrochemical cluster in the Nordic countries, where more than 40 companies operate, providing thousands of jobs.

Kilpilahti.fi

WaterHoop is involved in building Kilpilahti into a world-class hub for the bioeconomy and circular economy

The WaterHoop project, which will last for approximately two years, is linked to the goal of developing the Kilpilahti industrial area in Porvoo into a world-class hub for the bioeconomy and circular economy. The treatment and recycling of industrial wastewater are environmental challenges and, at the same time, opportunities to promote sustainable development and the circular economy. Current processes consume large amounts of water, and the release of pollutants into waterways must be minimized in order to protect nature. At the same time, stricter legislation and corporate responsibility targets require new solutions to improve water use and treatment efficiency.

The WaterHoop project is being implemented in collaboration between the development company Posintra and the University of Helsinki. The project’s target groups are SMEs operating in the Kilpilahti area, SMEs that handle and need process water in their business operations, the City of Porvoo, universities, and research institutes. The indirect target groups of the project are key companies in the Kilpilahti area: Neste Oyj, Borealis Polymers Oy, Kilpilahden Voimalaitos Oy (KPP), Lamor Water Technology Oy, and Revanssi Oy. Other indirect target groups include companies in the water, energy, and automation sectors that are involved in developing energy and digitalization solutions. The Porvoo Water Utility and the Uusimaa Circular Economy Valley are also key stakeholders.