The city's latest prep – to handle a real disaster
Representatives of various professional categories within the city of Västerås have participated in testing the stove. A classroom of approximately 25 square meters in the now demolished Storängsskolan was heated. It was also possible to heat water and food on the stove, according to Ahlström.
“Another tool in the toolbox to be able to manage heat crises,” says Ahlström about the purchase.
The stoves are stored in a contingency warehouse – and in the event of a crisis, they can be transported to the city of Västerås' safety points, which are located at various schools, but also to preschools and retirement homes.
The city has previously purchased, among other things, gas and diesel heaters, electric heaters and a large heat pump that can be connected to the grid. All to be flexible with the types of fuel in the event of a potential crisis.
– The stove is the last thing we use. If it becomes necessary to use them, we think it will be a real disaster, as we will probably have major problems with the entire district heating supply and a lack of other fuel.
A first model of the stove has previously been delivered to Ukraine. According to Ahlström, they take up little space and are easy to assemble. No welding is required.
– If Russia decides to destroy the CHP plant, Västerås will have huge problems with heat. Then getting started and starting to manufacture and buy things won't work, there may be several municipalities that are affected and then there will be a shortage. We therefore want to have our own material ready if there is a crisis.
There is unrest in the world, not least due to Russia's war of invasion in Ukraine.
Are the unrest affecting the willingness of the people of Västerås to be prepared?
– There is a clear increase in interest in the issues, especially from companies that want to know what they can contribute in some way. More residents have also done things, but unfortunately the majority still have not gone from words to action when it comes to increasing preparedness. At least that is the subjective feeling I have.
Image: Firepipe 
Image: Firepipe 
Image: Firepipe
VLT 2025-04-01 https://www.vlt.se/2025-04-01/ city's latest pre-planning should prepare for a real disaster/