Energy Supply | The heating companies in the capital area, VEKS, CTR, and Hofor, have just entered into an agreement with the company Innargi on the framework for a possible breakthrough for geothermal in the capital.
Originally in Danish by Maria Berg Badstue Pedersen
The potential corresponds to the consumption of somewhere between 35,000 and 75,000 households. A detailed plan with times and possible locations of any facilities can be ready in approx. one year.
Suppose a final agreement is reached, and it goes as the parties involved hope. In that case, it is expected that the first of a series of geothermal plants will be ready to supply district heating to the capital area in 2026 at a competitive price, the parties write in a Press release.
– We hope we are on the way to a breakthrough for geothermal energy in the capital. To that extent, it is needed. The whole concept behind geothermal is obviously correct. We have been working for a long time for this green energy source to gain momentum, and there have been bumps in the road. Other competencies are added through the partnership with Innargi, which is a good step in that direction. If it succeeds, we are seriously on our way to 100 percent. Green district heating in the capital area. However, it will also be crucial to get the necessary areas, says Kamma Eilschou Holm, director of CTR, the Transmissionsselskab of the Central Municipalities.
Lead in a multi-pronged strategy
In short, Innargi must ensure that the hot water is extracted from the ground, while VEKS, CTR, and Hofor must buy the energy and send it to the district heating customers. Initially, the parties signed a so-called “letter of intent,” which describes the intention to work actively and purposefully to get geothermal energy in the capital.
The future district heating is based on a multi-pronged strategy, where several different green energy sources are included in close interaction, and geothermal energy can become an essential element in such a system.
– It is very optimistic that we have reached the goal with the first phase. In the expectation that we will agree to establish a geothermal plant in VEKS’ supply area, there is reason to be satisfied here and now. At a time when the security of supply and stable energy prices have the highest priority in VEKS, it is of great importance that we can get another green energy source connected to the district heating network. The fact that it is also a local energy source available 24/7/365 only makes geothermal energy utilization even more interesting, says Lars Gullev, director of the district heating company VEKS.
The capital area can attract more people.
Aarhus laid out and is planning together with Innargi, owned by A.P Møller Holding, ATP, and NRGi, geothermal plants that can produce a total of 110 MW, corresponding to the heating of 36,000 houses. Now the metropolitan area is following suit.
At Innargi, which will build and operate the geothermal plants for the district heating companies, CEO Samir Abboud says:
– We are thrilled that it now looks like we are getting a breakthrough for geothermal in the capital area. First and foremost, this means even greener, price-stable district heating for many consumers. But the geothermal project in the capital area will also make geothermal an attractive option for many medium-sized district heating companies in Zealand, where stand-alone geothermal projects are too expensive. Those projects will have a better economy if they are established in connection with the large project in the capital area, says Samir Abboud.
Initially, a potential of between 120 and 240 MW of geothermal energy is expected to cover the annual heat consumption of 35-75,000 households.