Nokian Panimo brewery’s logistics centre heated with environmentally friendly geothermal energy
Chosen heating solution: the climate-safe Gebwell G-Eco heat pump
The new logistics centre of Nokian Panimo brewery, completed in spring 2025, is heated with geothermal energy. This is the largest investment in the company’s history, comprising approximately 2,500 m² and 23,000 m³ of space – nearly doubling the brewery’s existing facilities.
One of the project’s objectives was to carry out the expansion with as low emissions as possible, so geothermal energy was selected as the heating solution at a very early stage.
“Environmental friendliness is very important to us, and when acquiring the heating system this was one of the decisive factors. Energy efficiency also plays a major role in our industry, and we work with this issue practically all the time,” says Maintenance Manager Pasi Risku.
During the project, the site’s HVAC contractor, Putkitupa Oy, proposed replacing the previously selected heat pump system with the Gebwell G-Eco heat pump, which uses natural R290 refrigerant.
“The serviceability of the heat pump and refrigerant regulations played a central role in the decision. It is also great to be at the forefront of adopting new technology,” Risku explains.
“What makes the system special is precisely the use of R290 refrigerant, whose suitability seems to withstand refrigerant regulation well into the future,” he continues.
Putkitupa Oy’s Business Director Timo Kekkonen adds:
“The G-Eco heat pump was changed during the implementation phase because it was better suited to both the site’s and the client’s requirements. G-Eco stood out particularly for its energy efficiency and environmentally friendly refrigerant.”
Installation of the G-Eco went smoothly
At the logistics centre, the geothermal system maintains base heating throughout the year. The system consists of a G-Eco Pro 120 heat pump and a separate buffer tank for heat production. The system does not produce domestic hot water.
“The biggest difference compared to earlier projects was the special expertise and safety regulations related to installing an R290 heat pump. Otherwise, the installation process proceeded quite normally,” says Kekkonen.
“For an R290 heat pump, special attention had to be paid to room safety, ventilation and compliance with regulations. Once these aspects were taken into account, the installation went smoothly,” he continues.
Kekkonen praises the cooperation with Gebwell:
“Working with Gebwell was smooth. During the planning phase we received support with dimensioning and equipment choices, and during the installation the manufacturer’s experts were very accessible. The installation training session organised earlier by Gebwell was a great help in planning and carrying out the installation work.”
The system connection and the manufacturer’s instructions were also praised. Installation, adjustment and commissioning were completed without major challenges.
Kekkonen recommends G-Eco heat pumps for similar projects:
“What I especially remember is the good cooperation between the manufacturer and the contractor, and that the project was completed without delays. From a technical perspective: commissioning the G-Eco heat pump was straightforward, despite it being new technology using R290 refrigerant,” Kekkonen summarises.
The logistics centre was completed and the system commissioned in early summer 2025.
