Flexibility

As energy systems become more electrified, more technologies, suppliers and considerations must work together. That is why we look at the bigger picture.
We are doing just that right now in Svendborg, where we are the lead consultant on the ‘Green District Heating of the Future’ project.

In Svendborg, the pieces need to be rearranged

Part of Svendborg District Heating’s existing heat production from waste incineration is being moved to Odense. As a result, Svendborg must expand and rethink its production.

The project includes a 25 MW air-to-water heat pump, a 25 MW electric boiler, a 10,000 m³ heat storage tank, a 35 MVA 60/10 kV transformer, a new pumping system and transmission lines.

These are large components. But for us, what happens between them is at least as interesting.

How do we integrate new and existing plants, build in flexibility, and ensure the solution works in its real-world context? That is where comprehensive consultancy comes into its own.

Flexibility does not come out of thin air

Flexibility must be factored in from the start.
Heat pumps and electric boilers make it possible to electrify a larger proportion of heat production, while the storage tank shifts production to times when electricity is cheaper or has a lower carbon footprint.
The heat storage tank is more than a reservoir of hot water: it is an active tool linking the heating and electricity systems. And that’s when the maths gets interesting.

The plant must meet heating demand and suit hour-by-hour operation. From the design stage, we consider, among other things, the electricity grid’s capacity, production economics, and potential future expansion.

At the same time, we are looking at what is already in place in Svendborg. A 3 MW heat pump will extract energy from the flue gas via the existing plant, while a 5,000 m³ cold-water storage tank will store the cold side of the process.

The energy system of the future is not only about new infrastructure, but also about making better use of existing assets.
That’s why, for us, electrification starts with the system – not the machine.

Someone must keep track of everything in between

In a large-scale energy project, all the components may have been delivered exactly as agreed – and still not work well together. Heat pumps, electric boilers, electricity, SRO, buildings, and pipework must be compatible with one another and with the generation already in operation.

At the same time, responsibilities must be clear: Who does what? When? And who is waiting for whom?
This is central to our role in Svendborg.
We oversee the project from tender to commissioning, reviewing suppliers’ solutions, supporting negotiations and contracts, and managing risk workshops, construction, technical supervision, and health and safety coordination. Operations are considered early so the plant works as designed for those running and maintaining it daily.

We’ve been here before – just not in the same way

Svendborg is a new project, but the approach is familiar.
At Billund District Heating plant, Ingeniør Huse was lead consultant for an energy centre with 16 MW of heat pumps, a 30 MW electric boiler, 10,000 m³ of thermal storage, and surplus heat from LEGO. Completed in 36 months from master plan to commissioning, it cost €33 million against a €40 million budget.
In Svendborg, the greater challenge is integrating several new and existing technologies into one production structure.

But our starting point is the same: Technology creates opportunities. Structure makes them work together.