As Copenhagen continues its path toward carbon neutrality, a significant challenge is to fully electrify the already mostly carbon-neutral district heating system. HOFOR, the Greater Copenhagen utility company, has made substantial investments in collective electric heating pumps that harness renewable energy from wind, excess heat, seawater and wastewater to generate district heating. 

This investment aims to foster industrial collaboration, finance research and demonstrate the heat pumps in practice through smart system integration. By 2033, up to ten heat pumps will be spread across Copenhagen, with a collective capacity of up to 300 MW of heat. Before establishing the new heat pumps, HOFOR dedicated several years to accumulating valuable knowledge and integrating advanced technology through three smaller heat pump projects with a combined capacity of 10 MW. 

Electrified heating provides greater flexibility across the entire energy system by allowing further energy integration. The heat pumps enable the use of renewable power when it is available and source heating through sustainable biomass when it is not. This project facilitates the phasing out of fossil fuels in the heating system, thereby increasing supply security and significantly contributing to Copenhagen’s plans to become climate-positive by 2035.