Finnish crematorium to use solar power for first fully electric facility in Finland

Finland’s first fully electric crematorium is planned for Kangasala, Pirkanmaa, with construction set to begin later this year and operations expected to start in early 2028.

Tampere Parish Union property director Heikki Päätalo said the new facility will rely solely on solar energy during peak sunlight, making it the country’s first zero-emission crematorium. The existing Vatiala crematorium, built in 2013, currently operates on natural gas and cannot meet the growing demand from Pirkanmaa’s 17 parishes.

The new crematorium will be built adjacent to the Vatiala facility and is projected to cost just under €4 million to construct. Equipment procurement, including two production lines priced between €2.5 million and €3 million, is scheduled for late 2027.

Päätalo said the electric system will reduce energy consumption to roughly one-third of the gas-powered model’s requirements per cremation. Surplus heat generated during operations will continue to warm nearby parish buildings.

Funding will come from parish contributions totaling just over €1 million, with the remainder financed through bank loans. No public subsidies are anticipated for the project.

Kangasala municipal zoning and building permits remain pending, with final plans expected by September to allow construction to begin before year-end.