Copenhagen’s state of the art plant sets new standards for environmental performance, energy production, waste treatment and recovery of material resources. Innovative technology and architecture integrate to form a future in which waste-to-energy plants are welcomed in any backyard.

In 2017, Copenhageners and visitors will witness a waste-to-energy plant that is not only one of the best performing European plants in terms of energy efficiency, waste treatment capacity, and environmental consideration, but also in terms of visual rendition and local acceptance. The plant, Copenhill, Amager Bakke, is being constructed by Amager Resource Center (ARC), owned by five Danish municipalities. Copenhill, Amager Bakke will be equipped with two furnace lines and a  joint turbine- and generator system. The plant replaces a 45-year-old plant with four furnace lines.

A ski slope and so much more

It is a multi-purpose plant that is already catching the eyes of the world because of its local appeal. The plant provides energy and waste treatment, and will be an architectural landmark and a leisure facility. In addition to the technological merits, the  plant´s architecture includes a roof-wide artificial ski slope open to the public. The ski slope is designed by renowned ski-slope designers who will ensure the best possible experience for the coming users. On the façade, the highest climbing in the world is planned to be established, inspired by  some of the best climbing passes from themost challenging mountains in the world. 85 metres above the ground, a cafeteria will cater visitors, who can also enjoy the marvellous view of the city skyline.

Taking technology further

The ever innovative technology of the DynaGrate® is unique in its fuel flexibility and optimised combustion. The state of the art technology at Copenhill, Amager Bakke has an incredibly high environmental performance. Not least because the plant makes full and efficient use of the energy
contained in the waste. It will also be possible to process all types of waste as fuel and still obtain a high level of energy recovery. For instance, the plant will be able to use the wet organic fraction contained in the waste very efficiently and recover not only the water but also 98 % of the energy.

Energy and resources recovered from the waste

By 2017, ARC will run a plant that burns 2 x 35 tonnes of waste per hour. This means that the plant will treat around 400,000 tonnes of waste annually produced by 500,000 – 700,000 inhabitants and at least 46,000 companies. The plant will supply district heating for 160,000 households, electricity for 62,500 households. Furthermore, the waste-fired plant will recover 100 million litres of spare water and will recover 90 % of metals from the waste amounting to 10,000 tonnes of metal a year. The full capacity of the plant is 560,000 tonnes annually and therefore ready for the increasing number of citizens in Copenhagen.