HOT|COOL NO. 1/2023 "AI & Digitalization"

DISTRICT HEATING IN GREATER COPENHAGEN

What does the district heating system in Greater Copenhagen look like today? The capital's district heating system today covers a heat de- mand of 38 PJ (2020 figures) – of which heat production from waste energy plants covers approx. 32%. The heat demand of 38 PJ corresponds to about 25% of the total heating require- ment in Denmark. The heat production is dominated by large central cogenera- tion plants on waste and sustainable biomass, which account for around 2,150 MW of base load capacity. In addition, approx. 50 MW heat pumps were established recently, and surplus heat is utilized from the industry and sewage water systems. In addition to this, there is a peak and reserve load capacity of approx. 2,300 MW and two heat accumulators (2*22,000 m3 + 25,000 m3) of a total of 2,700 MWh. Peak and reserve loads are mainly based on natural gas and oil. However, in recent years, several electric boilers have been built for peak and reserve load heat production.

Briefly described - this is a district heating system based on large central production units - yet the future looks different.

Four years ago, the district heating companies HOFOR, CTR, Vestforbrænding, and VEKS decided to prepare scenarios - with associated analyses- to develop the district heating sy­ stem in Greater Copenhagen by 2050. Starting the analysis, it soon became clear that the future district heating system in the metropolitan area would be changed from being based on central production units to a system with more decentralized production units. It would also be characterized by a larger system integration with the electricity system than we know today. "Future District Heating Supply in the Greater Copen- hagen Area 2050". To ensure a shared vision for the future of DH in Copenhagen, the four district heating companies, HOFOR, CTR, Vestfor- brænding, and VEKS have for the fourth time completed a dy-

Figure 1 The transmission network in Greater Copenhagen

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