MAN Energy Solutions has commissioned the first of two large heat pump units in the Danish port of Esbjerg, which is now providing the first heat.
The plant in Esbjerg’s port, which is operated by the municipal utility company Din Forsyning, supplies around 280,000 MWh of climate-neutral heat annually to the district heating networks of Esbjerg and the neighbouring town of Varde. It will cover the heating requirements of 25,000 households and reduce CO2 emissions by 120,000 tons per year.
Largest heat pump system of its kind in the world
The heat pump system in the port of Esbjerg uses renewable energy from nearby wind farms and seawater as a heat source. Together with other technologies, it replaces the city’s decommissioned coal-fired power plant and makes a significant contribution to Esbjerg’s ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2030. With a total heating capacity of 70 MW, the CO2-based heat pump system is the largest of its kind ever put into operation in the world. The system is supplemented by a 60 MW boiler that uses sustainable wood chips and a 40 MW electric boiler system that serves as a peak and reserve load system.
“This is a significant milestone that we have been waiting a long time for,” said Helle Damm-Henrichsen, Managing Director of Din Forsyning. “From today, all our customers in Varde and Esbjerg will benefit from district heating directly from the North Sea. This project is not only groundbreaking for Din Forsyning, but also a big step forward for climate protection. Even though we are based in West Jutland, it is fair to say that this is a world first: The world’s largest CO2-based seawater heat pump is now supplying heat.”
“I am extremely proud that our mega heat pump is now providing climate-neutral heat for the people of Esbjerg and Varde,” emphasised Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions. “As a pioneering city, Esbjerg impressively demonstrates how urban heating systems can be fundamentally redesigned through the use of renewable energy sources.” The use of innovative large heat pumps to provide sustainable heat is not only a technological achievement, but also a role model for cities worldwide on the way to more environmentally friendly energy systems. “At MAN Energy Solutions, we are committed to transforming energy into tangible benefits for society and the economy while reducing emissions.”
Harmless CO2 as a refrigerant
A key feature of the MAN technology solution is the use of toxicologically and ecologically safe CO2 as a refrigerant in the closed system circuit. This is particularly relevant for Din Forsyning, as the plant is located on the Wadden Sea – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a sensitive ecosystem. In addition, the system enables rapid power balancing of the electricity grid and thus supports the integration of fluctuating power generation such as solar and wind energy. The large heat pump can be switched on and off several times a day to respond to fluctuations in demand.
Around three MWh of usable thermal energy per MWh of electrical energy used
The basic principle of heat pump technology is to raise low-temperature thermal energy to a higher, usable level by using electrical energy. For every MWh of electrical energy used, the system generates around three MWh of usable thermal energy. At the heart of the system are two oil-free, hermetically sealed motor-compressor units com type “Hofim”, which were developed and manufactured by MAN Energy Solutions in Zurich. These machines operate with high-speed motors and active magnetic bearings, which eliminates the need for oil and reduces maintenance costs. The units are also equipped with a system for remote monitoring, data analysis and diagnostics to efficiently control both the compressor technology and the auxiliary systems.
