Sustainable utility supply in Aalborg

Transcription

1 Sustainable utility supply in Aalborg 1

2 Sustainable utility supply in Aalborg Number printed: 2 Paper: Profi silk 115 gr. Cover: Profi silk 2 gr. Swanlabel paper Publisher: City of Aalborg, The Public Utility Companies February 24

3 Table of contents 1. Sustainable utility supply in Aalborg - Summary Society in growth National goals and instruments for energy Energy in the Municipality of Aalborg The Public Utility Companies supply of energy in Aalborg The District Heating Utility Company The Electric Utility Company AKE Net The Gas Utility Company National goals and instruments for water and waste water Water and waste water in the Municipality of Aalborg The Water Utility Company The Sewage Utility Company National goals and instruments for waste Waste in the Municipality of Aalborg The Refuse Collection Utility Company

4 4 Steam train safeguards drinking water. The railway from the centre of Aalborg to the East Harbour runs close by vulnerable groundwater sources, from which drinking water to most of Aalborg is recovered. In order to prevent the risk of pesticides and herbicides seeping into the groundwater, the track is kept free of weeds exclusively by means of steam. The steam is blown down onto the railway track from an old train to which special equipment has been fitted. Six runs with steam during the course of the summer are sufficient to keep the weeds under control. Photo: Baghuset/Ajs Smed Nielsen

5 Sustainable utility supply - global and local Public utility supply is about how households and businesses receive energy and water, and how waste water and solid waste are disposed of and treated. Utility supply plays a decisive role in terms of the environment. The world s population continues to grow, and the resulting increase in human needs and activities, including the supply of utility services, in many respects poses a threat to the environment, both locally and globally. A discharge of untreated effluent can have disastrous consequences for the ecosystem in an individual watercourse, whereas the continued increase in the emission of greenhouse gases can have serious consequences for the climate on a global scale. Through the UN and the EU, Denmark has signed a number of international conventions and protocols aimed at safeguarding a sustainable development of the global environment. A sustainable development is a development that satisfies current demands without jeopardising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. These conventions and protocols cover the following areas of utility supply: energy water/waste water waste The Public Utility Companies alderman, Mariann Nørgaard. The Danish government has drawn up a number of plans that supplement the international conventions with specific national goals. These include climate strategy, plans for the aquatic environment and waste strategy. Locally, the City Council in Aalborg has drawn up a number of plans, the purpose of which is to ensure that the goals in the international and national agreements are met and preferably exceeded. The fundamental step was taken with the Brundtland Plan in As a follow-up to the Brundtland Plan, a specification of the total energy consumption in the municipality was drawn up in 22 in the form of an energy balance for the total energy consumption excluding transport. The principles for sustainability are continuously being integrated into the plans concerning heat supply, water supply, waste water and solid waste for the entire municipality, as well as into the strategic plans for each of the municipal Public Utility Companies. It is the responsibility of the Public Utility Companies, as the administrative body on behalf of the local authority in Aalborg, to ensure that these plans are realised. The Public Utility Companies also have operating responsibility for the vast majority of public utility supply in Aalborg with respect to energy, water/ waste water and solid waste. Ensuring a sustainable utility supply in Aalborg is a crucial task for the Public Utility Companies. Between them they supply 86% of the total net energy consumption to customers in the Municipality of Aalborg, excluding Aalborg Portland and excluding transport. We therefore consider it a logical development to follow up on the Brundtland Plan and take stock of what we have achieved and what we can hope to achieve in the years ahead. 5

6 1. Sustainable utility supply in Aalborg - Summary Aalborg is making good progress towards a sustainable utility supply, having achieved major results in terms of the international and national goals that have been set up in this area. In terms of energy, there is every indication that the Municipality of Aalborg can achieve the national goal of reducing the total CO 2 emission by 21% in 212 in relation to the 199 level. Assuming 1.1 Emission of CO 2 in the Municipality of Aalborg Mill. tonnes CO that the transport sector s CO 2 emission continues to grow as it has hitherto, the utility supply sector s CO 2 emission will have to be reduced by approx. 33%. In 199 the CO 2 emission in the municipality was.9 million tonnes, excluding Aalborg Portland and excluding transport. In order to achieve the target of 33%, emission in 212 must be reduced to.6 million tonnes. The Public Emission of CO 2 in the Municipality of Aalborg, excl. transport and excl. Aalborg Portland, in 199 and 22, and the target for 212. (Source: Energy Balance for the Municipality of Aalborg). Utility Companies expect that this can be achieved by means of a number of initiatives, including: increased utilisation of surplus heat from Aalborg Portland and Reno-Nord for district heating greater efficiency of the Public Utility Companies plants and operations more comprehensive consultancy services offered to householders and businesses increased use of renewable energy in the electricity supply savings in industrial processing energy consumption continued conversion from oil burners to district heating, natural gas, straw and wood. An important precondition is that the surplus heat used for district heating is considered to be CO 2 -neutral, which is in accordance with accepted principles. The emission of CO 2 from Aalborg Portland and Reno-Nord is therefore not included in the District Heating Utility Company s CO 2 calculations. In terms of water resources, the local authority in Aalborg is an international leader with regard to the active protection of groundwater. In cooperation with the private waterworks, Aalborg is as 6

7 For the sake of our children. A sustainable development is a development that satisfies current demands without jeopardising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. Photo: Aalborg Tourist & Convention Bureau one of only a handful of municipalities in Denmark in the process of safeguarding the future supply of drinking water by protecting the groundwater in particular catchment areas. This is taking place by means of afforestation and restrictions on land use in these protected areas. Drastrup is the first protection area. The first tests carried out here - of nitrate content in the water at a depth of one metre have demonstrated that protection is effective. Next year a large area near Visse is expected to be designated for groundwater protection, and more areas will follow in due course. As a result, Aalborg is expected to continue to have a supply of clean drinking water in the form of untreated groundwater. In terms of waste water, the centralisation of sewage treatment at two major treatment plants in Aalborg has proved to be of enormous benefit since these large sewage treatment plants are much more efficient than small sewage treatment plants. The four remaining small plants in the municipality are due to be taken out of service during the course of the next three years. The discharge of organic material and nutrient salts into the Limfjord and watercourses has been reduced dramatically as a result of improved sewage treatment and the ongoing renovation of the sewer network. The Municipality of Aalborg is fully in line with the national goals set out in the Danish government s Waste Strategy Plan. In brief, the Waste Strategy Plan aims at increasing the proportion of waste used in recycling and reducing the proportion that is deposited at landfill sites, in addition to utilising the remaining waste combustible waste in the production of heat and power. In 22, 72% of Aalborg s waste was recycled, 19% was incinerated and 9% was deposited at landfill sites. The corresponding national targets for 24 are 64, 24 and 12% respectively. 7

8 2. Society in growth Both globally and locally, the goals of limiting CO 2 emission, safeguarding clean drinking water and reducing the production of waste should be seen in the context of the continued global growth in population and production. During the period from 199 to 22 the population in Denmark increased from 5.14 to 5.37 million, a growth of some 4.3%. If this level of growth continues, the population in 21 is expected to stand at 5.43 million. The growth in population has been largest in relative terms in the major cities in Denmark. In the Municipality of Aalborg, the number of inhabitants increased from 155,19 to 162,264 in the period from 199 to 22, a growth of 4.5%. Production has also increased. Denmark s GDP was DKK 916 billion (1995 price levels) in 199. In 22 the country s GDP had risen to DKK 1,194 billion (1995 price levels), corresponding to an increase of 3.4%. 2.3 Jobs broken down into disciplines 1% 14% 6% 4% 14% 6% Public services Retail trade and hotels Transport and communicati Manufacturing Building and construction Banks and insurance Agriculture and fishing 19% 2.1 Number of jobs - Municipality of Aalborg 14% 1% 96, Public services 94, 92, 9, 88, 6% 14% 4% Retail trade and hotels Transport and communication Manufacturing Building and construction Banks and insurance 86, 84, 6% Agriculture and fishing 82, 8, 19% Number of jobs in the Municipality of Aalborg in the period 199 to 22. (Source: City of Aalborg, Statistics and personnel department) Jobs in the Municipality of Aalborg in 22 broken down into disciplines. (Source: City of Aalborg, Statistics and personnel department) 8

9 During the same period the total production of goods in Denmark increased by 24.7% and private consumption by 22.6%. In 22 there were 12,6 business enterprises in the Municipality of Aalborg employing a total of 94,6 people. Despite the increase in gross domestic product and private consumption, Denmark s gross energy consumption energy consumption including losses associated with the production and distribution of electricity and heat (fuel consumption) in 22 was, following a slight rise at the end of the 199s, at approximately the same level as in 199. The composition of the consumption of energy has changed, however, since coal has to a large extent been replaced Gross domestic product in Denmark DKK billion 1.2 1, Denmark s gross domestic product, GDP, in DKK billion (1995 price levels). (Source: Statistics Denmark) Gross energy consumption in Denmark Aalborg is a city enjoying growth, and boasts a rich variety of shops and businesses. Photo: Aalborg Tourist & Convention Bureau. 9, 8, 7, 6, TJ 5, 4, 3, , 1, 915, ,13 931, , ,74 19, , , , , , , Oil Coal and coke Natural gas Renewable energy, etc. Denmark s gross energy consumption in TJ broken down into energy types. (Source: Statistics Denmark) 9

10 by natural gas and renewable forms of energy. During the 199s the Danes purchased more consumer durables. Many of these consumer goods have an effect on the consumption of both energy and water during their service lives, and they also affect volumes of waste when they are replaced. 2.7 Water consumption in Denmark Mill. m 3 1,2 1, Ownership of consumer durables Consumption of water in Denmark in million m 3, (Source: Statistics Denmark) Quantities of waste in Denmark 15 % Mill. tonnes 9 6 Washing machines Tumble dryers 3 Dishwashers Video recorders Microwave ovens Personal computers Mobile phones Household ownership of consumer durables in %. (Source: Statistics Denmark) Development in quantities of waste in Denmark. (Source: Waste Statistics 22, Danish Environmental Protection Agency) 1

11 The number of cars on Danish roads is increasing steadily. The same is true of the transport sector s emission of CO 2 and the number of cars that end up on the scrap heap. Photo: City of Aalborg 11

12 3. National goals and instruments for energy Limiting the emission of CO 2 and other greenhouse gases is the overriding goal in the energy area. Greenhouse gases are the chief cause of global warming. The emission of CO 2 is closely linked to the use of fossil fuels. To a large extent, the reduction is thus an indication of how far we have come with regard to implementing renewable energy forms and energyefficient technology. Denmark has signed the UN s Kyoto Protocol, in which the goal in global terms is to limit the emission of greenhouse gases by 5% in in relation to 199 levels. In the EU s Environmental Action Programme the target for Europe is somewhat stricter, with a reduction of 8 % being stipulated. In the case of Denmark, this target has been revised upwards to 21% in accordance with the internal burden sharing agreement drawn up between the EU member states. The national goal of limiting CO 2 emission by 21% cannot be directly transferred to the utility supply sector. Utility supply makes up only a part of the total energy consumption, which is distributed between several sectors: household, transport, trade and industry, energy production and agriculture. 3.1 Emission of greenhouse gases in Denmark Mill. tonnes CO 2 equivalents Target 21 Unregulated CO 2 Methane Laughing gas Industrial gases Emission of greenhouse gases in Denmark. (Source: A cost-effective climate strategy) The transport sector, which accounts for a significant proportion of the CO 2 emitted, is completely separate from the utility supply area. This sector s CO 2 emission continues to increase, and no decisive steps have been taken to counter this development. Indeed, in its paper outlining its proposal for climate strategy from 23, the government expects the continued increase of emission of CO 2 within the transport sector. This of course results in much greater demands on the other sectors. From 199 to 22 the transport sector s CO 2 emission increased from 1.5 to 12.3 million tonnes. If this growth continues, the figure will climb to 13.2 million tonnes by 21. Approximately 12

13 9% of the transport sector s CO 2 emission comes from road transport. The increase in CO 2 emission from transport means that other sectors will have to reduce their combined CO 2 emission from 42.1 to 28.4 million tonnes in order to achieve the overall goal of 41.6 million tonnes of CO 2. This corresponds to a reduction of approximately 33%. In terms of CO 2 emission per inhabitant, the projected increase in population places even greater demands on the reduction of CO 2 before 21. The per capita CO 2 emission in Denmark will thus have to be reduced by almost 37% during the period 199 to The transport sector s proportion of CO 2 emission Mill. tonnes CO Target 21 Of which, CO 2 from transport The remaining emission of CO 2 in Denmark The transport sector s proportion of the total CO 2 emission in Denmark. (Source: A cost-effective climate strategy and Denmark s greenhouse account) Switch off your engine, is the message to car drivers when the bridge over the Limfjord is raised. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen 3.3 CO 2 emission per inhabitant in Denmark Tonnes CO Target 21 CO 2 -emission pr. indbygger i Danmark CO 2 emission per inhabitant in Denmark, excl. contribution from transport. (Source: A cost-effective climate strategy. Denmark s greenhouse account and Statistics Denmark) 13

14 A large number of measures have been implemented both through the EU and at national level in order to reduce CO 2 emission, including: increased duties on fossil fuels greater use of renewable energy development of combined heat and power statutory requirements with regard to advice to electricity, heat and gas consumers energy labelling of equipment and appliances increased funds for research These measures have all had an effect, both nationally and locally. Taxes and duties on energy have been regularly increased throughout the 199s. During the period from 1998 to 22 alone, taxes and duties levied on fossil fuels in Denmark increased by almost 2%. Within the field of renewable energy sources, the production of wind energy in particular has been increased such that today it provides about 15% of the Danish electricity consumption. In accordance with legislation on electricity supply, almost half of the electricity consumption is charged as prioritised energy at centrally fixed prices, which has made it profitable to produce electricity by means of wind power and other alternative energy sources. When making decisions concerning the location of windmills, it is important to take account of wind conditions, aesthetics and noise. For example, within the Municipality of Aalborg, the City Council has specified a number of areas in which windmills may be erected. Electricity production from windmills in the Municipality of Aalborg has increased from approximately 8,6 MWh in 199 to 116, MWh in 22. The national natural gas network has undergone considerable development, and the number of decentralised combined heat and power plants has increased correspondingly during recent decades. The cogeneration of heat and electricity is more efficient than individual heating with oil burners and separate production. In major cities the district heating networks have been expanded and the power stations made more efficient. Windmill of the future. NEG Micon now part of the world s biggest windmill manufacturer, Vestas has erected a completely new type of windmill in Aalborg that will be the forerunner of future offshore wind turbines. The windmill is operated by Elsam and serves as a research mill for Aalborg University. Photo: NEG Micon 14

15 4. Energy in the Municipality of Aalborg As a supplement to Danish national legislation and the international conventions and protocols that Denmark has signed through the UN and the EU, the City of Aalborg has in recent years drawn up a number of plans aimed at promoting a sustainable public utility supply. In 1992 the City Council in Aalborg adopted a Brundtland Plan that specifies a number of concrete, local, potential areas of action in the utility supply area. The principles for sustainability have been continuously integrated into the plan for heat supply for the Municipality of Aalborg and strategic plans for the Public Utility Companies. Elements contained in the Brundtland Plan include: increased connection to the district heating network further utilisation of surplus heat from the Aalborg Portland cement factory reduction of temperature in the District Heating Utility Company s supply network energy savings in municipal buildings and in urban renewal greater natural gas supply in surrounding villages 4.1 TJ Gross energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, Energy consumption, remainder of the Municipality of Aalborg Energy consumption, Aalborg Portland Gross energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg (Source: Energy Balance for the Municipality of Aalborg) As a follow-up to the Brundtland Plan, the Public Utility Companies have drawn up a so-called energy balance for both 199 and 22 covering the total energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg excluding transport. The energy balance reflects one overwhelming aspect in terms of energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg: The Aalborg Portland cement factory is a giant in com- parison to all other energy consumers. The increase in Aalborg Portland s energy consumption reflects an increase in the production of cement. As a result of its high energy consumption, Aalborg Portland refers directly to the national Energy Agency, which is why the local authority has no direct influence on Aalborg Portland s energy consumption and emission of CO 2. 15

16 The surplus heat that Aalborg Portland supplies to the District Heating Utility Company is not associated with additional fuel consumption. As a result, therefore, the CO 2 emission from the cement factory s production of district heating is only included in Aalborg Portland s CO 2 account and not in that of the District Heating Utility Company. The efficient utilisation of surplus heat is a major reason why CO 2 emission in the rest of the municipality has fallen. Outside the municipality s urban areas, the increased use of wood, straw and natural gas as sources of heat has also contributed to the reduction of CO 2 emission. A number of small towns are supplied with district heating from local, natural gas-fired combined heat and power plants, and in the countryside many individually heated buildings have converted from oil to gas as their chief energy source. Each household can reduce the CO 2 emission stemming from the heating of the dwelling by approximately 25% by changing from an oil-fired burner to a natural gas-fired burner. 4.2 CO 2 emission in the Municipality of Aalborg 3 Mill. tonnes CO CO 2 emission, remainder of the Municipality of Aalborg CO 2 emission from Aalborg Portland as a result of energy consumption CO 2 emission in the Municipality of Aalborg excl. transport. (Source: Energy Balance for the Municipality of Aalborg) The highly efficient kilns at Aalborg Portland produce large amounts of cement, from where surplus heat for the District Heating Utility Company originates. The industrial symbiosis between Aalborg Portland and the Public Utility Companies is of mutual benefit, both with regard to the environment and in economic terms. Photo: Aalborg Portland. 16

17 4.3 Municipality of Aalborg - buildings according to type of heating 4, 35, 3, Number of buldings 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, District/communal heating Natural gas Oil burner Stove/other Stove/electricity Heat pump No heating installation Unknown Buildings in the Municipality of Aalborg in 22 broken down according to type of heating (Source: Register of buildings and housing (BBR) for the Municipality of Aalborg) 4.4 CO 2 emission when heating a dwelling with a heating requirement of 75 GJ 7, 6, 5, kg CO 2 /year 4, 3, 2, 1, Natural gas Oil CO 2 emission when heating a single-family dwelling with an annual heating requirement of 75 GJ. 17

18 5. The Public Utility Companies supply of energy in Aalborg As the major suppliers of district heating, electricity and gas, the Public Utility Companies play a decisive role in a sustainable energy supply in the Municipality of Aalborg. Three of the six Public Utility Companies are suppliers of energy. These are: The District Heating Utility Company The Electric Utility Company - AKE Net The Gas Utility Company pany - including Nørresundby Fjernvarme supplies 4,826 TJ per year (22), corresponding to 98% of the total district heating consumption in the municipality and 82% of the total consumption of room heating and domestic hot water in the municipality. AKE Net has approximately 59, customers. The supply area covers central Aalborg and Nørresundby. AKE Net supplies 927 GWh or 3,335 TJ per year (22), corresponding to 84% of the total electricity consumption in the municipality. The Gas Utility Company has approximately 11, customers, the majority in central Aalborg and Nørresundby, where the gas is distributed through the town gas network. Gas for cooking makes up a relatively large proportion of the Gas Utility Company s total supply of 4,296, m 3 per year, corresponding to 83 TJ. The District Heating Utility Company has approximately 28, customers. There are approximately 1,4 additional customers supplied by the district heating company Nørresundby Fjernvarme, which purchases the heat wholesale from the District Heating Utility Company. The number of customers actually refers to the number of meters. For example, a single customer may in fact be a cooperative housing society - thus equating to a much larger number of individual consumers. In overall terms, the number of customers supplied by the District Heating Utility Company corresponds to a degree of coverage of 96% in the current supply area. The District Heating Utility Com % The Public Utility Companies share of the gross energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg 26% 25% 48% The District Heating Utility Company AKE Net The Gas Utility Company Other utility supply The Public Utility Companies share of the gross energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg in 22, excl. Aalborg Portland (Source: Energy Balance for the Municipality of Aalborg) 18

19 The three companies supply a total of 8,244 TJ per year, which makes up 34% of the total net energy consumption energy consumption excluding losses associated with the production and distribution of electricity and heat in the Municipality of Aalborg including Aalborg Portland, or 86% of the total net energy consumption excluding Aalborg Portland. All three companies are distribution companies that are primarily responsible for the distribution of energy only the District Heating Utility Company produces energy itself in the form of heat, and even then only to a very limited extent. The public utilities contribution to the promotion of sustainable utility supply therefore falls within the following three principal areas. The three Public Utility Companies can: 1. purchase energy produced with minimal environmental impact 2. try to limit customers energy consumption and impact on the environment 3. limit their own energy consumption and impact on the environment The way in which focus is applied and the effect that it has depends on the type of supply. For example, the District Heating Utility Company has ample opportunity to ensure minimal environmental impact through cooperation with local producers of surplus heat, whereas AKE Net only distributes the electricity that customers buy, including the statutory share of electricity from windmills and combined heat and power plants. The gross energy consumption is an indicator of how much fuel is used to produce the energy that is supplied to the consumers. The Public Utility Companies account for three quarters of the gross energy consumption in the Municipality of Aalborg. A number of tasks are performed jointly. For example, work on pipelines and cables is coordinated and much of the advice and guidance offered to customers takes place through Energicenter Aalborg, which is run jointly by the Public Utility Companies and Naturgas Midt-Nord. The Gas Utility Company, AKE Net and the District Heating Utility Company draw up DSM (Demand Side Management) plans that aim to limit customers energy consumption. By means of IRP (Integrated Resource Planning) the three companies also try to limit their own energy consumption. In addition, the three companies present environmental accounts every year. The Limfjord, here with the oil harbour and Aalborg Portland in the background, means that Aalborg is a busy port. Over the years, a large percentage of the traffic has been transferred to the East Harbour. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen. 19

20 6. The District Heating Utility Company The City of Aalborg is concentrating its efforts on district heating that is primarily produced as combined heat and power and as surplus heat from industry. District heating is thus extremely environmentally friendly in comparison with individual sources of heat that are based on fossil fuels. The district heating network is extremely well developed in all urban areas. 82% of all heated buildings in the municipality are today supplied with district heating compared with 63% in 199. Within the supply area, 96% of the total building area is connected to the District Heating Utility Company. In six minor urban areas heat is supplied from natural gas-fired combined heat and power plants. 6.1 The District Heating Utility Company s supply area In central Nørresundby the District Heating Utility Company sells district heating wholesale to Nørresundby Fjernvarmeforsyning. The district is in practice a part of the supply area and is regarded as such in this publication. 2

21 Large radiators provide an efficient way of drawing heat out of district heating water and into the living room. District heating in Aalborg is charged according to the number of cubic metres of district heating water used by the customer. It is therefore up to the customer himself to utilise the heat in the district heating water in the best possible manner. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen Producers of heat Almost all heat within the District Heating Utility Company s supply area is supplied by three main producers: Aalborg Portland A/S cement factory I/S Reno-Nord waste incineration Elsam A/S, Nordjyllandsværket combined heat and power plant 6.2 Fuel consumption GJ Fuel consumption - Single-family dwelling District heating Oil burner Electric heating Consumption of fuel for heating of a dwelling (75 GJ) with district heating, oil burner and electric heating respectively. (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company, Environmental Accounts 22) There are also a number of smaller suppliers: The Sewage Utility Company s two central sewage treatment plants and the District Heating Utility Company s 1 central stations, which are primarily fired with natural gas. Surplus heat is CO 2 -neutral and therefore has the highest priority in the supply of district heating. This means that as far as possible Reno-Nord and Aalborg Portland supply all the heat that they produce, whilst Nordjyllandsværket covers the remaining heat requirements. The District Heating Utility Company s own central stations act mainly as reserves. The surplus heat produced at Aalborg Portland is generated from the production of cement. Aalborg Portland is in the process of increasing its capacity with regard to the production of white cement, after which the annual supply of heat will rise from 1,4 TJ to 1,9 TJ from 26, corresponding to almost 3% of the District Heating Utility Company s purchase of heat. The surplus heat from Reno-Nord is generated from the incineration of waste from Aalborg and a number of other municipalities and refuse sup- 21

22 pliers. Reno-Nord is currently increasing its capacity such that the annual supply of heat from 26 is expected to be approximately 1,1 TJ. At Nordjyllandsværket the heat is produced in a new section that was commissioned in 1998 as a replacement for the coal-fired combined heat and power plant Nordkraft in Aalborg. This new section is the world s most efficient coal-fired power plant. In a few suburban towns, the District Heating Utility Company has acquired decentralised natural gas-fired combined heat and power plants during the last few years. Since surplus heat accounts for up to half of the district heating in Aalborg, the CO 2 emission per energy unit supplied to the District Heating Utility Company is extremely low in relation to other towns providing district heating to which Aalborg would normally be compared. Between 199 and 22, the level of CO 2 /GJ for heat supplied from the District Heating Utility Company fell by 36%. Since the proportion of surplus heat will increase in the future, the CO 2 emission is expected to fall even further as a result. Customers energy consumption When it comes to limiting CO 2 emission as a result of heating, the principal element of the District Heating Utility Company s strategy has been to acquire as many customers as possible due to the modest CO 2 emission per unit of supplied heat in comparison with other sources of heat. As district heating is often also much Pollution from a single-family dwelling kg CO 2 tonnes SO 2 kg NO x kg District heating Oil burner Electric heating Emission of CO 2, SO 2, NO x as a result of heating a dwelling (75 GJ) with district heating, oil burner and electric heating respectively. (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company, Environmental Accounts 22) The District Heating Utility Company CO 2 /GJ CO 2 per GJ resulting from the district heating sold by the District Heating Utility Company. 22

23 6.5 The District Heating Utility Company s purchase of heat TJ The use of GPS equipment enables all pipelines in Aalborg to be plotted with a degree of precision that can be measured in centimetres. Gas pipes, district heating pipes, water pipes, sewer pipes and electricity cables are registered in this manner. The positions of the pipes/cables and other data are gathered and collated in a geographical information system. This data can be utilised when coordinating repair and maintenance work on pipes. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen Nordkraft (decommissioned 1998) Nordjyllandsværket Reno Nord Eternit factory Sewage Treatment Plants, East & West Reserve, gas and gas oil Aalborg Portland The District Heating Utility Company s purchase of heat in TJ from heat suppliers in 199, 22 and 21 (Source: City of Aalborg, Public Utility Companies) cheaper for the individual customer than, for example, heat provided by an oil burner, this strategy has been particularly effective. The supply area has grown and the percentage of customers that are connected to the district heating network within the supply area has also increased. Today, practically all homes and businesses that are able to connect to the district heating network have done so. Overall, the connected area increased from 7.9 million m 2 in 199 to 1.1 million m 2 in 22, corresponding to an increase of 22%. This increase has occurred despite the fact that a new method has been introduced for the calculation of commercial areas, which alone has meant a reduction of some 616, m 2. The District Heating Utility Company s customers are charged according to the number of cubic metres of hot water used, and not according to how many units of heat are used. It is therefore good business for the individual customer to extract as much heat from the district heating water as possible before it is sent back to the heat producers via the District Heating Utility Company s pipelines. 23

24 6.6 The District Heating Utility Company - Connection percentage Area connected to the District Heating Utility Company in percentage of total building area within the supply area (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) Meter with a modem. The District Heating Utility Company offers its customers the option of monitoring their consumption around the clock via the telephone network. Customers are notified immediately if their consumption suddenly increases dramatically. The difference between inlet and outlet temperatures is also registered in order to make sure that customers utilise their district heating in the optimum manner. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen A good cooling effect at consumers premises also benefits both the heat producers and the District Heating Utility Company. The average drop in temperature for 1 m 3 of district heating water is approximately 4 C when measured on a yearly basis. If this cooling figure was only 2 C, for example, a further 25 million m 3 of district heating water which would mean almost twice the current volume would have to be sent through the district heating network in order to achieve the same output at consumers premises. The lower the temperature of the return water, the smaller the losses of heat during transport back to the heat producers. Smaller amounts of district heating water mean less pumping is required. Overall, good cooling of the district heating water at consumers premises results in huge energy and environmental benefits. For this reason, the District Heating Utility Company makes a great effort to provide advice on installations and insulation at its customers dwellings such that the heat is utilised in the optimum manner. This takes place in cooperation with private plumbing firms and building contractors. From 25 onwards all customers will have electronic meters, thus making it easier to monitor consumption. Customers also have the option of taking out a service subscription according to which the District Heating Utility Company can carry out remote monitoring of consumption and ensure that the heat is efficiently utilised, and take corrective action in the event of unintentional fluctuations in consumption. An average family uses approximately 2.4 m 3 district heating water per m 2 24

25 The Public Utility Companies in Aalborg are also active on the Internet. At Energihuset citizens can simulate their consumption of energy and water in an ordinary dwelling and see what effect any changes have both on the environment and on their private economy. 6.7 Realised heat savings GJ 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, Realised heat savings as a result of the District Heating Utility Company s business consultancy services. (Source: Energicenter Aalborg) residential area per year, corresponding to.4 GJ district heating per m 2 residential area per year. Approximately one quarter to one third of the heat is used for domestic hot water, whilst the rest is used to heat up the premises. Almost 6% of the heat that the District Heating Utility Company sold in 22 was used in private homes. The District Heating Utility Company makes a great effort to provide advice and information to both customers and business partners, in particular because installations at consumers premises are crucial for the efficiency of the utility supply. Since 1997 the District Heating Utility Company has regularly drawn up DSM plans (Demand Side Management) as a strategic tool to create energy savings for its customers. 25

26 During the period the District Heating Utility Company s business consultancy services resulted in savings of no less than 47,841 GJ, which has led to a total reduction in the emission of CO 2 of 1,263 tonnes. Furthermore, conversion from other energy forms to district heating carried out by the District Heating Utility Company s business customers corresponds to about 62, m 3 or 1,5 GJ of district heating. The District Heating Utility Company s advice and guidance in terms of private households cannot be accurately calculated. 6.8 Renovation and new construction of district heating pipelines km New construction Renovated The District Heating Utility Company s annual renovation and new construction of district heating pipelines (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) The district heating network in Aalborg was established in the 195s and has since been extended such that today it covers practically all major adjoining urban areas in the municipality. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen 6.9 The District Heating Utility Company - Total network loss 1,8 1,5 1,2 TJ The total actual network loss per year in the District Heating Utility Company s supply area, (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) 26

27 The District Heating Utility Company s own energy consumption Heat losses in the supply network and energy consumption for pumping operations are important factors for the District Heating Utility Company s own energy consumption. In Aalborg-Nørresundby the hot water is distributed through a 1,2 km long dual-line (supply and return lines) network. In addition, there are a few km of pipes associated with the decentralised combined heat and power plants in small suburban towns. Heat loss in the pipes is limited in several ways. Since 1999 the District Heating Utility Company has used pipes with extra insulation when carrying out new construction and renovation. The network has been renovated systematically, and by 28 it is expected that the entire network will consist of modern, pre-insulated district heating pipes. The lower the temperature in the network, the smaller the heat loss to the surroundings. Since 1988 the supply line temperature in the network has been gradually reduced. Today the supply temperature is regulated between 75 C and 9 C depending on the outside temperature. Network losses have been reduced by 13% from 199 to 22 as a result of pipeline renovation and low temperature operation. During the same period 37 km of pipes were renovated. Network losses in 22 accounted for 21% of the total heat production to the District Heating Utility Company. In 21 it is The District Heating Utility Company - Power consumption for pumping MWh/TJ m 3 /km The District Heating Utility Company s consumption of electricity for pumping, (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) The District Heating Utility Company s consumption of make-up water The District Heating Utility Company s consumption of make-up water per km district heating pipe, (Source: City of Aalborg, District heating Utility Company) 27

28 expected that relative network losses will account for approximately 2% of the total heat production to the District Heating Utility Company. In parallel with the renovation of pipelines, pumps with frequency converters have been installed so that the pumps only run when needed. The resulting savings in electricity have, however, been offset by the increased power consumption of the pumps in conjunction with the relocation of Elsam s heat production from the now decommissioned heat and power plant at Nordkraft south of the fjord to Nordjyllandsværket north of the fjord. The high connection percentage and thereby short distance between the customers helps to minimise pumping in relation to the amount of heat supplied. Despite the continued growth of the supply network, the consumption of make-up water per km pipeline has fallen steadily. CO 2 emission The increasing proportion of surplus heat and the focusing of efforts on consumer energy savings and in connection with the distribution of district heating water have resulted in a reduction in the District Heating Utility Company s CO 2 emission in spite of the fact that the supply of district heating has increased. The emission of both SO 2 and NO X has also fallen, which can be primarily attributed to the new section at Nordjyllandsværket that was commissioned in During the next few years surplus heat from Aalborg Portland and Reno-Nord will account for an even bigger proportion The District Heating Utility Company - CO 2 emission 1, tonnes CO 2 Tonnes SO CO 2 emission in connection with district heating supplied, (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) The District Heating Utility Company - SO 2 emission SO 2 emission in connection with district heating supplied, (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) 28

29 As the Port of Aalborg s terminal facilities have been relocated to the East Harbour and the aquatic environment in the Limfjord has improved, it has become more attractive to live on the banks of the fjord. The picture shows Vestre Havnepromenade, which in recent years has been developed with both residential housing and new businesses. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen 6.14 The District Heating Utility Company CO 2 emission 1, tonnes CO CO 2 i 1 ton/år?????? of the district heating supplied. The emission of CO 2, SO 2 and NO X will therefore fall even further. The District Heating Utility Company expects that the increased amount of surplus heat in 212 will lead to a reduction in the emission of CO 2 of 3, tonnes per year. Moreover, the District Heating Utility Company expects that energy savings on the part of its customers and a restructuring of the remaining market will reduce the total CO 2 emission as a result of heat consumption in the supply area by a further 1, tonnes in 212. Emission of CO 2 as a result of heat supplied in the District Heating Utility Company s supply area, , and target for 212. (Source: City of Aalborg, District Heating Utility Company) 29

30 Aalborg Portland, which is situated on the eastern outskirts of Aalborg, covers an area of 344 hectares, approximately half of which is made up of Aalborg Portland s chalk quarry. In addition to the production plants themselves, there are two internal dumping sites and a recycling site in the area. Photo: City of Aalborg. 3

31 Aalborg Portland Aalborg Portland A/S is Denmark s only cement manufacturer and has an annual production capacity of 2.8 million tonnes of cement, of which approximately half is exported to around 7 countries worldwide. Net turnover in 22 was just under DKK 1.5 billion. Aalborg Portland, which is part of Denmark s biggest industrial group, FLS Industries, is the world s biggest exporter of white cement. The enterprise is focusing its efforts on becoming the world s largest manufacturer within this area. The cement is produced at highly advanced production plants, and Aalborg Portland devotes a lot of resources to intensive research into enhancing the cement s properties and creating improvements in the environmental and energy area. Cooperation with the Public Utility Companies covers several areas of utility supply. Aalborg Portland is Denmark s biggest consumer of electricity and thereby also by far the Electric Utility Company s biggest customer. The factory receives granulated sludge from the Sewage Utility Company and discarded furniture from the Refuse Collection Utility Company. Both of these products are used in the production of cement. Cooperation works both ways, as can be seen by the significant amount of district heating that Aalborg Portland supplies to the District Heating Utility Company. 31

32 7. The Electric Utility Company AKE Net The Jutland-Funen electricity network is connected to the electricity grids in Norway, Sweden and Germany. A large number of foreign and Danish producers, from small windmills to hydroelectric power stations, large nuclear power plants and coal power stations supply electricity to the network. In central Aalborg and Nørresundby, AKE Net is the company responsible for the distribution of electricity. AKE Net s core tasks are: to operate and maintain the electric utility networks up to and including 6 kv in the supply area to supply prioritised energy which is electricity from windmills and decentralised combined heat and power plants 7.1 The Electric Utility Company s supply area The Electric Utility Company s supply area covers most of Aalborg and central Nørresundby, as well as the airport area. 32

33 7.2 Electricity sales, losses, and electricity saved to promote energy-saving activities aimed at its customers. GWh 1,2 1, Heavy industry Industry Retail trade and service Other Household Losses Electricity saved Consumption of electricity, grid losses and electricity saved in the Electric Utility Company AKE Net s area (Source: City of Aalborg, Electric Utility Company - AKE Net) In the remainder of the Municipality of Aalborg, these tasks are carried out by other electricity supply companies within their respective supply areas. The high voltage grid with voltages of 15 kv and 4 kv are operated by NV Net A.m.b.a and Eltra A.m.b.a respectively. AKE Net owns AKE Forsyning A/S and AKE Entreprise A/S. AKE Forsyning A/S is responsible for the purchase and sale of other energy, also called market electricity. AKE Forsyning A/S is a local supply company that has a duty to supply electricity to those consumers within the supply area who do not wish to exploit the deregulated electricity market. With a customer share of more than 9%, AKE Forsyning A/S is the dominant company in the Aalborg-Nørresundby supply area. AKE Entreprise A/S is responsible for commercial services in competition with other public and private contractors and electricians, including operational and service tasks such as traffic lights and streetlights. Lights on the waterfront. As a result of the deregulation of the electricity market, the Electric Utility Company s former contracting department has been restructured and set up as an independent limited company, AKE Entreprise, which has the establishment and maintenance of outdoor lighting among its core tasks. Photo: Ajs Smed Nielsen Electricity production AKE Net does not have any direct influence on pollution or consumption of resources in the production of electricity. AKE Net is, however, a co-owner of the Jutland-Funen electricity production company Elsam A/S, which as a producer of electricity has a duty to follow the objectives adopted by the Danish government and parliament. 33

34 The most important means of reducing CO 2 emission in connection with the production of electricity are: to co-generate electricity and heat to make electricity production more efficient to increase the proportion of renewable energy Prioritised energy is electricity generated by windmills and other CO 2 -neutral energy sources and by decentralised combined heat and power plants. Within the Electricity Utility Company AKE Net s area, there is an annual production of 46 million kwh (22) of prioritised energy at Reno-Nord, industrial combined heat and power plants and windmills. During recent years Danish consumers have had 4% of their electricity consumption charged as prioritised energy. The obligation to purchase prioritised energy is statutory and the proportion is adjusted regularly. Wind energy accounts for approximately one third of the total amount of prioritised energy, and its share continues to climb. Customers consumption During recent years electricity consumption has steadily increased. Trade and industry, not least Denmark s biggest electricity consumer, Aalborg Portland, is responsible for a large proportion of this increase. The continued increase in the number of electrical appliances in the home also plays a role. AKE Net s most important direct influence on the reduction of CO 2 emission is to urge savings on the part of consumers Realised electricity savings MWh Tonnes 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3,5 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, Realised electricity savings as a result of AKE Net s business consultancy services. (Source: Energicenter Aalborg) Reduction in CO 2 emission Reduction in CO 2 emission as a result of AKE Net s business consultancy services. 34