Obituary: Heikki Koivisto, District Heating Pioneer and Visionary

Diplomi-insinööri Heikki "Hessa" S. A. Koivisto, a visionary in Finland's energy sector, died on June 16, 2026, in Kauniainen at the age of 83. Born in Tampere in 1943, Koivisto's career was marked by significant contributions to the development and widespread adoption of district heating in Finland.

After graduating from the Helsinki University of Technology, Koivisto began his career at Eko in 1967, managing power plant projects. He later worked in Switzerland before taking on the role of CEO at the District Heating Association from 1981 to 2004. During his leadership, the volume of district heating doubled, establishing it as the most prevalent heating method in Finland. Even in retirement, he witnessed the energy transition firsthand as his housing company adopted geothermal heating.

Beyond his professional achievements, for which he received the Order of the White Rose of Finland, Koivisto was known for his broad circle of friends and diverse hobbies. He was a passionate basketball fan, actively involved with Tapiolan Honka and a dedicated supporter of the Finnish national team, Susijengi. He also enjoyed cycling trips and hosting gatherings at his summer home, sharing his love for conversation and good food with loved ones.