Varkaus

Energy Technology Cluster Programme

In the environs of Varkaus, in the region of Central Savo, there is a nationally significant cluster of energy technology operators. Due to the structural changes taking place in industry, and thanks to the opportunities offered by renewable energy technologies, the energy sector is gaining further importance in the region. The Varkaus region’s energy cluster comprises large international companies, as well as innovative SMEs with growth and export potential.

The implementation of the Energy Technology cluster programme in Varkaus is done in cooperation with Central Savo Development Company Ltd and Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT). The Central Savo Development Company, located in Varkaus, is the operative company, while LUT coordinates the measures dictated by the programme. The major innovation operators in the Varkaus region are R&D organisations (LUT, University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and Savonia University of Applied Sciences) and the R&D units of some businesses in the region. UEF and LUT have branched out to Varkaus in order to serve the development of the region’s industry. The universities have been active in the area since 2003.

The Centre of Expertise Programme seeks to identify new technologies, partners and operating models that could support the development of the energy technology sector in the region, and to give rise to related R&D projects in collaboration with development organisations, local businesses and R&D institutions. There is a particular focus on identifying and concretely realising the opportunities for utilising the data acquired through basic research. The centre of expertise activities also promote the permanent establishment of the R&D units of higher education institutions in the region, and the achievement of a critical mass in the volume of R&D. The Energy Technology cluster, other closely related clusters (Forest Industry Future/Southeast Finland Centre of Expertise, and Environmental Technology/Kuopio Region Centre of Expertise) and the international networks of the Centre of Expertise Programme are important partners in the implementation of the programme.

Contact details

Keski-Savon Kehittämisyhtiö Oy
PL 208 /Ahlströminkatu 6
FI-78201 VARKAUS

Lappeenranta University of Technology
PL 1 / Wrdenkatu 2
FI-78201 Varkaus

Jussi Heinimö
Project Manager
Tel. +358 40-5440936
Jussi.heinimo@lut.fi