Esbjerg, Denmark, now has the world’s largest seawater mega heat pump in operation. This innovative system from MAN Energy Solutions is set to reduce CO₂ emissions by 120,000 tonnes annually and provide sustainable heating for approximately 25,000 households in the region, including Esbjerg and neighbouring Varde.
Esbjerg opts for mega heat pump
Located in the harbour of Esbjerg, this plant harnesses both renewable energy generated by nearby wind farms and seawater to provide eco-friendly heat. With a capacity of 70 MW, the system uses CO2 as a coolant, making it a non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution, ideal for this sensitive area of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea.
The plant, which also features a wood chip boiler and an electric boiler plant, is part of the city’s efforts to replace its coal-fired power plant and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Environmental impact and energy efficiency
The heat pump ‘s operating principle is simple but effective: it uses electricity to raise the low-energy temperature of seawater to a usable level, generating three MWh of useful heat for every MWh of electrical energy consumed. In addition, the system is able to quickly adjust to changing demands from the electricity grid , facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
This development is a transformation for our company and a major step towards a more sustainable future. All our customers in Esbjerg and Varde will now benefit from district heating directly from the North Sea.
Helle Damm-Henrichsen, Managing Director of DIN Forsyning, stressed:
A role model for the energy future
This project represents a technological achievement and also sets a model for other cities seeking to adapt their district heating systems to more sustainable energy sources.
Esbjerg is a clear example of how we can transform urban energy systems by taking advantage of renewable sources, while reducing CO₂ emissions.
Commented Dr. Uwe Lauber, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions.
The seawater-based CO₂ mega heat pump , which is now operational, represents a decisive step towards a cleaner and more efficient energy future.
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Source and photo: MAN Energy Solutions
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