High-level Chinese delegation from major district heating utilities
This week, the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH) is hosting a high-level delegation from Chinese companies and public authorities that operate some of the world’s largest district heating systems. The delegation represents major cities across China – most with populations exceeding 10 million – and includes senior executives from leading state-owned district heating groups.
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District heating as a key enabler of power system integration
The visit focuses on system integration and sector coupling, showcasing how Danish district heating plays an active role in balancing the power system. Through large-scale heat pumps and electric boilers, district heating absorbs surplus renewable electricity, whereas biomass-based CHP plants supply electricity during periods of low wind and solar production.
Read about District Heating here
Read about sector coupling/system integration here
From coal and gas to electrified and flexible district heating in China
China’s district heating sector remains heavily reliant on coal, and in recent years, many cities have rapidly shifted to natural gas to improve air quality. However, with increasing deployment of wind and solar power – particularly in Northern China – interest is now growing in electrified heat production and more flexible district heating systems. Denmark’s experience provides concrete, operational examples of how this transition can be managed at scale.
Read about decarbonisation of district heating here
Site visits to Danish utilities across the country
During the three-day programme, the delegation visits a range of Danish utilities to explore low-temperature networks, electrification, digitalisation, thermal storage, and multi-source heat production:
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- Albertslund Forsyning, hosted by Niels Hansen, Lasse Jakobsen, and Pernille Salmonsen
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- Envafors, hosted by Henrik Birch
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- Assens Fjernvarme, hosted by Marc Roar Hintze and Nicolai Ranum
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- Viborg Fjernvarme, hosted by CEO Morten Abildgaard, Tom Diget, and Chairman Kristian Brøns Nielsen
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- Aalborg Forsyning, hosted by Lars Skytte Jørgensen
Strengthening long-term cooperation between China and Denmark
The delegation also expressed strong appreciation for reconnecting with Danish sector leaders they already know. Several participants previously met Morten Abildgaard at a DBDH seminar in Beijing, and Lars Skytte Jørgensen has two years of professional experience in Qingdao.
The visit underlines Denmark’s position as a global frontrunner in integrated district energy systems and strengthens direct dialogue between Chinese decision-makers and Danish practitioners. For DBDH and its members, the delegation represents an important step in deepening cooperation with China at the utility and city level, where investment decisions are made, and large-scale transitions are implemented.
Read about upcoming international activities/events here
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