Objective of the projectThe aim of the project was to improve energy efficiency in the Karelia region and to increase the use of local bioenergy resources in the district heating and in small-scale combined heat and power production plants. Main activities• To plan an education program.• To organize pilot trainings in Oulu and Petrozavodsk.• To develop an automated education, training and management system for the DH plants in Russia.• To establish a Bioenergy training center.• To develop a virtual learning environment and tools. Achievements: The project made considerable input into the increase of know-how and expertise in developing the energy production processes in the Pryazha plant. Also, the created and disseminated know-how, expertise and networks improved the energy efficiency in other operations. Also, energy efficiency increasing investments were made. Many pilot trainings and study tours promoting the development of energy-efficiency, the use of local bioenergy sources and the multiple use of forests were organized. According to the feedback the topics covered were relevant, and the knowledge and skills gained in could be taken into use.For the inhabitants of Karelian municipalities the project contributed to the development towards better energy systems and improved energy quality.