The Danish heat transmission company TVIS, based in Fredericia, Denmark integrates different energy sectors by harnessing surplus heat from multiple sources and redistributing it through a large-scale district heating transmission network, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. 

The so-called Triangle Region in Jylland, Denmark, has for decades been an industrial area with a high proportion of energy companies and significant industrial production, generating large amounts of surplus heat. Instead of wasting this surplus heat, TVIS set out to develop a large-scale regional heat transmission network with the aim of ensuring that the surplus heat becomes a valuable resource for the local communities, resulting in a more energy efficient energy supply and reduction in CO2 emissions. 

Today, TVIS promotes comprehensive solutions in the field of sector coupling and utilisation of surplus heat from industrial processes as well as Power-to-X, thus enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. By capturing surplus heat from local industries, including a future large-scale Power-to-X plant at a local refinery, TVIS redistributes it through an extensive district heating transmission network across four different municipalities. This integration promotes regional cooperation between municipalities and businesses and ensures a reliable, cost-effective heat supply with minimal energy waste and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.  

Additionally, TVIS is promoting Power-to-X technologies which have a huge surplus heat potential, thus optimising energy usage and storage. This dual approach not only supports Denmark’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also stabilises the energy supply and fosters economic growth. TVIS’s innovative model demonstrates a holistic, sustainable energy management strategy that can be replicated globally, demonstrating significant environmental and economic benefits.

Local partnerships with municipalities and businesses are an integral part of TVIS’ strategy to base its district heating supply entirely on surplus heat. These collaborations enable TVIS to efficiently capture and utilise excess heat generated by local industries, that would otherwise be wasted. By working closely with municipalities, TVIS ensures that the district heating infrastructure is robust and extensive, reaching a wide range of consumers and optimising the transmission network for maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss. 

Partnerships with businesses, particularly those in energy-intensive industries, are essential to ensure a steady supply of surplus heat. Industries benefit from reduced cooling costs and an improved sustainability profile, while TVIS gains a reliable source of heat. This symbiotic relationship fosters a strong regional business environment by reducing energy costs for consumers and businesses alike and supporting the competitiveness of the local industry. 

In addition, these partnerships drive innovation as businesses and municipalities work together to develop and implement advanced technologies for heat capture, storage, and distribution. TVIS has been a key driver in establishing public-private partnerships in the region such as Triangle Energy Alliance (TEA) and the Committee for Green Energy and Sector Coupling (GESEK), both working to promote cross sector synergies to accelerate the green transition 

In essence, the TVIS strategy exemplifies how local partnerships can create a resilient, sustainable, and economically beneficial energy system. By leveraging the strengths and resources of municipalities and businesses, TVIS is successfully transforming surplus industrial heat into a valuable community asset, setting a global precedent for sustainable energy practices. 

TVIS is responsible for all heat contracts with current and potential heat suppliers in the Triangle Region with a capacity of more than 500 kW. The largest quantities of heat come specifically from the waste-to-heat company Energnist in Kolding, surplus heat from the Crossbridge Refinery and biomass heat from Ørsted’s heat and power plant Skræbæk Power Station  in Fredericia. The latest addition is a 25 MW Power-to-X plant which, delivers green hydrogen for the Crossbridge refinery. 

TVIS provides over 7000 TJ of heat annually to its shareholder municipalities, and projections indicate a relatively steady increase in the municipalities’ demand for heat. Over the next 20 years, the associated district heating utilities expect the heat demand to increase due to expansion into new service areas and increased building connections. Taking into account expected higher energy efficiency requirements for existing buildings and higher insulation standards for new buildings, the heat demand is expected to increase by 32 percent over the next two decades.