PRESS RELEASE | MARCH 11, 2024 |
The Municipal Council has just approved that the preparation for phase 1 of district heating in Holbæk city can begin.
The Municipal Council has approved the heat project proposal, enabling Fors A/S to offer the first phase of district heating in Holbæk city, provided there are sufficient supporters for a communal heating solution. Fors A/S has thus been given the green light to proceed with obtaining connection declarations from heat consumers. Holbæk city primarily has large heat consumers such as housing associations, municipal institutions, and the hospital that are offered district heating in the first phase. For it to become a reality, a minimum of 70% of heat consumers must sign up for the rollout.
“As Denmark’s largest gas city, we are now taking a significant step in the green transition by phasing out oil and especially gas as a heating source. In recent years, we have also seen how important it is for our energy supply to become independent of fossil fuels. However, to achieve this goal, homeowners must accept the offer to switch to district heating, which is better for the climate. So, the clear message is that as many people as possible get on board as quickly as possible,” says Karen Thestrup Clausen, Chair of the Climate, Environment, and Nature Committee in Holbæk Municipality.
The first heat customers are expected to have district heating by the end of 2025, and the rollout will be completed by the end of 2028. Fors A/S also plans to build an energy town where heat production will eventually occur.
Local support for district heating is necessary.
Everywhere, local support and registration are crucial. Therefore, Holbæk Municipality will send information letters to homeowners in the first phase of Holbæk city during March.
“We have been working on the project for a long time and are excited to start. It is no secret that installing district heating is extensive; however, it is environmentally sensible. And on the other side of the construction work, the people of Holbæk can look forward to a stable, collective heat supply that contributes to the goal of making us independent of fossil fuels,” says Camilla Hay, program manager for district heating at Fors A/S.
The preliminary schedule for the work is ready, but it is essential to keep in mind that it is continually adjusted during such extensive construction projects:
“The installation of district heating in such large urban areas is an extensive task that must be carefully coordinated with citizens and the municipality. Therefore, we expect the preliminary schedule to be adjusted as we plan the individual sub-projects,” says Camilla Hay.
At the current stage, Fors A/S expects the rollout and construction work to proceed according to the following preliminary schedule (subject to final approval of project proposals):
Holbæk, phase 1: 2025-2028 (approved) Holbæk, phase 2: 2026-2030 Holbæk, phase 3: 2027-2031 Holbæk, phase 4: 2028-2032 Holbæk, phase 5: 2029-2033 Holbæk, phase 6: 2030-2034 The areas of Svinninge and Tølløse are still under consideration. District heating map of Holbæk city
Why you should choose district heating.
District heating is a collective solution. Natural gas must be phased out of our heat supply, and you are responsible for switching to a green heat source yourself. With district heating, you join together for a standard green heating solution, and you are not left to your own devices to choose a heat solution.
District heating is easy.
Once district heating is installed, the heat company handles most things for you. The lifespan of district heating pipes is at least 60 years, and if you choose to buy your district heating unit on subscription, you do not have to worry about your heat source for many years to come.
District heating is environmentally sensible.
When you choose district heating, you save the climate from several tons of CO2 emissions per year. You can reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 66% by switching to district heating from natural gas – and up to 75% if you switch from oil. Your district heating is green heat because it is not dependent on fossil fuels but is produced from, for example, green electricity, straw, and solar energy. The Danish Parliament’s goal is for district heating in Denmark to be completely green by 2030. But at Fors A/S, we will strive to deliver CO2-neutral, green district heating by 2025.
District heating can make your home more attractive. Homebuyers love district heating, at least when you look at the numbers: Often, the value of homes increases when they are equipped with district heating.
District heating is smart.
District heating can be produced from many different energy sources. This means that you are not dependent on one source, such as gas, electricity, or oil. Instead, district heating is produced from waste, wood chips, straw, wind, or solar energy. Moreover, a district heating plant is silent and does not emit steam or odor.
Curious to learn more?
Read about Municipal Heat Planning here