This week, DBDH welcomed a delegation from VKU NRW and NRW.Energy4Climate for a two-day study tour in Denmark focused on practical district heating solutions, decarbonisation and system integration.
The German delegation represented municipal utilities and energy organisations from North Rhine-Westphalia, a region where many cities are working to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon heating. The program gave participants first-hand insight into how Danish utilities plan, expand, and operate district heating systems — from dense urban networks to new consumer-owned schemes.
Introduction to DH in Denmark, financing models, and continued development
The visit began at DBDH with an introduction to district heating in Denmark, financing models, and the continued development of the Danish district heating sector. This was followed by workshops with Danish companies on renewable heat production, lower network temperatures, digital tools, pumps, valves, metering, and customer dialogue.
The two-day visit included several Danish utilities
During the two days, the delegation visited several Danish utilities and district heating companies, including Frederiksberg Utility, Smørum Kraftvarme, Hillerød Forsyning, Bjæverskov District Heating, Høje Taastrup District Heating, and Albertslund Utility. Topics included large heat pumps, thermal storage, surplus heat, ATES, district cooling, low-temperature district heating, grid expansion, cooperative ownership, and new price models.
A key part of the program was the exchange between German utilities and Danish technology providers. Danish companies contributed with solutions and experience within heat pumps, pipe systems, valves, pumps, digitalisation, planning, engineering, construction, and smart network operation.
The study tour underlined the strong relevance of the Danish district heating experience for German municipalities and utilities. As Germany moves forward with municipal heat planning and the decarbonisation of local heating systems, Denmark offers concrete examples of how planning, regulation, utility ownership, and technology can work together in practice.
Download the presentation from Bjæverskov District Heating.
The visit was organised by DBDH in cooperation with VKU NRW and NRW.Energy4Climate, and co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Trade Council.
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