Powerhouse Brattørkaia: The World’s Northernmost Energy-Positive Building

Powerhouse Brattørkaia

Powerhouse Brattørkaia exceeds net-zero performance in Norway

Located in Trondheim, Norway, Powerhouse Brattørkaia is the world’s northernmost energy-positive building. Designed by the Powerhouse Alliance, this eight-story property exceeds net-zero standards by generating more renewable energy than it consumes, supplying power to neighboring buildings and electric vehicles. To achieve this, the building integrates solar panels, seawater-sourced cooling, and a high-efficiency heat pump system that delivers reliable performance in a challenging northern climate.

Impact Highlights

The world’s northernmost energy-positive building

Generates ≈500,000 kWh of renewable energy annually

One heat pump supplying renewable heat to neighboring buildings

Collaborating for net zero excellence

The Powerhouse Alliance set out to build a facility that would exceed net-zero standards, minimize operational energy use, and maximize on-site renewable energy generation. The project needed advanced technologies to maintain occupant comfort while serving as a model for sustainable development worldwide.

Integrating smart systems and renewable energy for year-round efficiency

To achieve energy-positive performance in a northern climate, the building combines solar power, seawater-sourced cooling, and advanced energy recovery systems. A Sabroe HeatPAC‑104S variable‑speed heat pump using natural refrigerant provides heating for Powerhouse Brattørkaia and the adjacent campus of BI Norwegian Business School with stepless load control from 15–100% for high efficiency and flexibility. Smart controls for ventilation, lighting, and thermal mass, together with a super-insulated envelope, optimize comfort and energy use year-round.

"Powerhouse Brattørkaia demonstrates that energy-positive buildings are not only possible but practical, even in challenging climates."

Rune Stene
Role/Company: Managing Director, Powerhouse

Achieving measurable sustainability outcomes and global recognition

Achieving measurable sustainability outcomes and global recognition, Powerhouse Brattørkaia generates more renewable energy than it consumes, contributing excess electricity to a local microgrid and charging electric vehicles. These innovations earned BREEAM Outstanding certification and positioned the project as a leading example of energy‑positive design. Key achievements include:

Solar photovoltaic array produces 485,000 kWh annually, enough excess electricity to charge 200 electric vehicles.
Seawater-sourced natural refrigerant heat pump provides complete heating and cooling for the office and neighboring buildings through a district energy system.
Air-side heat recovery, a super-insulated envelope, thermal mass control, and occupant-adaptive lighting and ventilation systems enhance energy efficiency.

About Powerhouse Brattørkaia

Powerhouse Brattørkaia is an 18,000 m² commercial building in Trondheim, Norway. Designed by the Powerhouse Alliance and completed in 2019, it is Norway’s first energy-positive commercial building, producing more renewable energy than it consumes. The Powerhouse Alliance, a collaboration of Entra, Snøhetta, Asplan Viak, Skanska, and ZERO, aims to create climate-positive buildings that set new standards for sustainability and occupant well-being.

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About the facility

18,000 m² total area (13,500 m² above ground)
Eight floors plus mezzanine and underground parking
Located in Trondheim, Norway

Solutions

Sabroe HeatPAC-104S variable speed heat pump

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