Grapes do not grow naturally in Finland, but vines have been planted that can survive north European winters if their roots are kept warm. Waste coolant water, which is heated during power generation, is being pumped to the newly planted vineyards. The recycled water flows through a network of underground pipes, warming the soil and the vine roots before flowing out to the sea.
Reijo Sundell, manager of the plant’s environmental office, said: “We will get a little wine next summer but more after two or three years.”