ACTIVITIES. Green Energy and Business Development

Transcription

1 ACTIVITIES Green Energy and Business Development Central Denmark Growth Forum June 2010

2 Central Denmark Region Focuses on Energy and Environmental Technology By 2025 half of the total energy consumed in the region will come from renewable energy sources. That is the ambitious goal set by Growth Forum for Central Denmark Region and will help maintain the region s position as the pioneer within energy and environmental technologies. In comparison, the government s ambitions for 2025 are that one third of Denmark s energy will come from renewable sources. At present, the proportion of Central Denmark Region s energy from renewable energy sources is 25 percent the highest in Denmark. The ambitious goal can only be achieved if stakeholders from business, research and municipalities all contribute. Central Denmark Region has the will to put resources behind its ambitions and has already supported many energy and environmental activities for the benefit of businesses in the region. The aim of the activities initiated has been to demonstrate and test promising energy technologies with a high market potential. Businesses in Central Denmark Region have a significant position of strength in this area, and not less than two thirds of Denmark s energy and environmental exports come from the region. This booklet provides you with a list of the energy and environmental activities launched in Central Denmark Region in the period Happy reading. Bent Hansen Chairman of Central Denmark Growth Forum 2 Layout: Story2Media ApS Photos: Flemming Nielsen, Siemens Wind Power, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, HSWind, DEXAWave, SolarVenti, Energi Horsens, Christian Alsing, Lars Nicolaisen

3 Contents Sustainable Transport Biodiesel... 5 Electric cars... 5 Hydrogen and fuel cells... 6 Methanol and fuel cells... 6 Biogas Manual for starting up biogas plants... 9 Ringkøbing-Skjern has an ambitious biogas plan... 9 The starch industry as prime mover Bioenergy and Environmental Protection Biogas and organic fertilizer from meadows Willow and environmental protection Biomass Resources Biomass potential at local level Residues ensure sustainability Algae to energy Business Network Biomass to Energy Future District Heating Danish Development Centre for District Energy The successor to natural gas Wind Power Test centre for off-shore wind turbines Flexible power consumption Navitas Park Business Network for the Wind Turbine Industry Technology Development EnergiTEKmidt Household wind turbine will make the world greener New invention reduces standby consumption SolarVenti in Thorsø Energy-optimised swimming pool Knowledge and Communication House of Natural Science Energy accounts Climate summit Conferences Network Business Network for the Wind Turbine Industry Biomaterials Network Business Network Biomass to Energy Climate Cluster Holstebro Wave Energy Network

4 4 Daka Biodiesel

5 Sustainable Transport Biodiesel Daka Biodiesel A.m.b.a. is the first Danish company to establish a plant for the production of 2nd generation biodiesel. The production is based on animal fat which is a waste product from slaughterhouses and farms. In Denmark, there is enough animal waste to replace approximately 5 percent of the Danish diesel consumption with biodiesel. During the project, the biodiesel produced was tested in full scale in the Aarhus area. The overall objective of the project is to ensure a domestic market for the biodiesel produced. In the Aarhus area, all 75 filling stations were supplied with biodiesel for 18 months and during the same period, a number of bus companies in Central Denmark Region ran on 5 percent biodiesel. The stakeholders behind Daka Biodiesel have invested DKK 180 million in a plant which can convert waste into fuel. With this demonstration project, Central Denmark Region supports the idea of creating a market for environmentally friendly fuel in Denmark. It is of great importance to the companies that produce biofuel to show that the product is used domestically. At the same time, important experience is gained about storing, blending, distributing and use in large scale, making it easier to upscale to the whole country later on. Project participants: Daka Biodielsel A.m.b.a., all oil companies in Denmark and CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology. Project period: Electric Cars Electric cars are the politically appointed principal instrument for reducing CO 2 from road transport. The charging of the batteries of electric cars can also be an important buffer in a more flexible power consumption which is essential when large volumes of wind energy are to be integrated into the electricity grid. Prøv1Elbil is a demonstration project with 13 electric cars where the cars are tested in differeny contexts: eight cars are tested by private households, four are tested for municipal operations in Horsens and Hedensted municipalities, and one car is used for tests at the Danish Technological Institute in Aarhus. The demonstration project will identify and describe practical matters such as comfort, charging, and how the car functions in practice. Electric Test Car 5

6 In addition, the project should clarify how electric cars can contribute to flexible power consumption where charging of the cars takes place when there is a high power production from wind turbines. The business perspective is to involve regional manufacturers and subcontractors who can help to develop and sell technology for electric car manufacturing and necessary electronic equipment which is a prerequisite to integrate a large number of electric cars in the Danish energy system. Project participants: Danish Technological Institute, Foreningen Energi Horsens, NRGi, Hedensted and Horsens municipalities. Project period: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Hydrogen as an energy source can become an important element in a future society independent of fossil energy sources. Transport based on hydrogen fuel cells is only a realistic alternative to traditional fossil fuels if an infrastructure exists for refuelling hydrogen. The project H2 Hub Vestjylland tested how infrastructure for refuelling hydrogen could look in small scale. A total of five hydrogen refuelling stations were set up in Holstebro, Ringkøbing, Skjern and Hvide Sande. A transport infrastructure based on hydrogen can be an important factor when more wind power is to be integrated into the electricity grid. Electricity from wind energy can be stored as hydrogen when the production of electricity from wind energy is higher than the consumption. The hydrogen used was produced from water using electricity. All electricity was based on renewable power through green certificates. The exhaust of the hydrogen-powered vehicles consists of clean water and contributes therefore neither to CO 2 nor particle pollution. The project has resulted in business co-operation and new innovation activities between the various players which will contribute to future business development in this field. Project participants: HIRC (Hydrogen Innovation Research Centre), H2Logic A/S, Hvide Sande Havn, Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, Chr. C. Grene A/S, Vestas Assembly A/S and GOLF- CLUB Storådalen ApS. Project period: Methanol and Fuel Cells Methanol (wood alcohol) produced from renewable energy sources is estimated as a possible future fuel for the transport sector. Methanol is an alternative to using hydrogen as fuel 6

7 Refuelling of hydrogen, Vestas Ringkøbing in fuel cells. Methanol has the advantage over hydrogen that it is liquid at normal temperature and pressure and therefore can be distributed and stored like petrol and diesel. The project tested the use of methanol as fuel for special vehicles which could lead to interesting business development in this field. Among other things, GMR Maskiner A/S in Horsens manufactures a electrical powered truck for use in parks and cemeteries. The development work to modify the truck is well underway and soon the ordinary electrical battery is replaced by a fuel cell with methanol as fuel. Today, methanol is not produced from renewable energy sources but usually from natural gas. This project will, however, look deeper into the possibilities of producing methanol from renewable energy sources. This project is part of a larger project that includes the development of methanol vehicles. Project participants: Danish Technological Institute, GMR Maskiner A/S, SerEnergy A/S, OK a.m.b.a. and the testing hosts of the vehicles. Project period:

8 8 Lemvig Biogas

9 Biogas Manual for Starting up Biogas Plants In 2010 there are seven joint biogas plants in operation in Central Denmark Region and another 2-4 new plants are at the planning stage. Based on animal density, the biogas industry has estimated that there is a need for at least new joint biogas plants in Central Denmark Region. The time for planning a biogas plant has often proved to be long up to 5-10 years. If this time is not reduced, it will be very difficult to implement the visions of the government s plan that 50 percent of the manure in Denmark should be degassed by Degassing of 50 percent of livestock manure in Denmark would replace approximately 8 percent of the current natural gas consumption with biogas. With this project, Central Denmark Region can lead the development of the biogas sector in Denmark. In co-operation with representatives of the industry and selected municipalities in Central Denmark Region, a manual for establishing biogas plants will be produced, which will contain all the essential factors to be taken into account when establishing biogas plants. With this manual, municipalities may help identify areas that are suitable for biogas plants, taking into account proximity to housing, environment, nature, energy infrastructure, road infrastructure and animal husbandry. Initiators of joint biogas plants will also be able to comprehend the process better and it is expected that the time for planning biogas plants can be halved. In this way, the manual can help ensure business development within biogas. Project participants: CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology) in co-operation with PlanEnergy, PlanAction, Danish Biogas Association and the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service National Centre. Project period: Ringkøbing-Skjern has an Ambitious Biogas Plan Using manure to produce biogas is an important step in a developing sustainable agriculture. The municipality of Ringkøbing-Skjern has an ambitious biogas model under development, based on decentralised biogas production of major farms, transportation of biogas in biogas distribution systems and combustion of biogas in local heat and power plants. The biogas plants are to be supplied with locally produced manure and energy crops. The goal of the municipality is that 80 percent of the livestock manure 9

10 Biogas test plant will be used for energy purposes by 2020, which is estimated to cover percent of the municipal s energy supply. The project will promote business opportunities to develop and supply equipment for the energy market and is planned to start in the southern part of the municipality with the establishment of three biogas plants and approximately 20 km biogas pipeline to a local heat and power plant. Project participants: Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, Vestjysk Landboforening, local heat and power plants, Blue Planet Innovation (Danish Agricultural Advisory Service National Centre), Hegndal Svineproduktion A/S, Landia A/S, LIN-KA Maskinfabrik A/S, ScanFlex A/S, Eurotech ApS. Project period:

11 The Starch Industry as Prime Mover Residual products from food production often comprise a huge untapped energy potential. Optimised utilisation of residues can contribute to creating bioenergy and sustainable solutions to society. Karup Kartoffelmelfabrik (AAK Karup) is Denmark s largest producer of starch from potatoes. The residues from the factory in Karup have an energy potential equivalent to at least 10 million m3 of natural gas, of which potentially percent could be used for the company s own production of heat and power and for heating the town of Karup (approximately 2,000 inhabitants) while the remaining percent could be sold to the natural gas grid. The overall goal of the project is to help create business development and innovation through optimised utilisation of residual products from the food industry. The biogas plant, which is tested in the project, is a technological innovation with a reactor where the throughput time is around 24 hours. In a traditional manure-based biogas plant the throughput time is 2-3 weeks. The project will serve as a driving force and motivator for the food industry in the region. The specific goal of the project is to make preliminary examinations and pre-testing in order to establish an actual full-scale demonstration plant. AAK Karup Project participants: CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology), Karup Kartoffelmelfabrik, Technical University of Denmark, Karup Fjernvarme, Naturgas Midt-Nord. Project period:

12 12 Nørreådalen

13 Bioenergy and Environmental Protection Biogas and Organic Fertilizer from Meadows The production of biomass for energy purposes can be made more sustainable if it is combined with the production of other valuable products and environmental protection. This project illustrates such a model. The project will demonstrate in large-scale how biomass from unexploited meadows can be converted into bioenergy and fertilizer for organic crop production. As an added benefit, significant amounts of nutrients are removed from the meadows, which means that leaching of nutrients to the aquatic environment is limited. Moreover, with regard to the preservation of nature it is an advantage that the vegetation is harvested. The project is the first of its kind and therefore has great novelty value. The goal is to harvest biomass (mainly grass) from 500-1,000 ha meadow in the valley Nørreådalen between the towns of Viborg and Randers. Today, organic farms are dependent on imported livestock manure from conventional farming. The projected annual production is 9,500-19,000 tons of organic fertilizer will reduce the organic farmers need to use conventional livestock manure. At the same time, a significant amount of nutrients is removed from the water environment. In addition, an annual production of biogas of up to 100 TJ must be taken into account. By comparison, the heat plant of the near by city consumes around 50 TJ in the form of natural gas annually. The project gives companies that produce harvesting equipment, biogas and fertilizer technology etc. an opportunity to further develop and demonstrate their products. The development of new organic fertilizer products is also a significant contribution to the development of the organic food sector. There is great potential in exporting the concept both in other parts of Denmark and abroad. Moreover, the project has a strategic interest with respect to the local environmental commitments of the municipality. Project participants: AgroTech in co-operation with the Danish Agricultural Advisory Service National Centre, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, Natur & Landbrug, Viborg Municipality, LandboMidtØst, Økologisk Landsforening, PlanEnergy, Tange Frilandsgartneri, Xergi and landowners. Phase 1 of the project was conducted in Project period:

14 Willow and Environmental Protection The project is based on the development of a new business concept where a number of players throughout the energy chain cooperate on exploiting the most environmentally sensitive agricultural areas for energy production. With the upcoming action plans for the aquatic environment, there will be agricultural areas that are no longer appropriate for cultivation of traditional agricultural crops. The project will demonstrate in large-scale how willow chips for the energy sector can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner with respect for the landscape. Willow is a perennial crop that has a large energy output and, at the same time, effectively reduces nutrient leaching to the aquatic environment. The goal is to plant 1,500 ha with energy willow in the surrounding areas of Ringkøbing and Nissum fjords, spread out between many landowners. Willow is not cultivated in the actual valley, but in particularly environmentally sensitive areas in the surrounding areas. In co-operation with the municipalities, relevant areas have been selected and it has been decided to involve landowners and ensure the sale of the cultivated energy willow. All relevant stakeholders are involved in the process, including landowners, heat and power plants, natural and environmental interests and businesses. In the project s next phase, a consortium will be established to implement the demonstration project in practice. Aarhus University and others are affiliated to the project with a view to documenting the effects. The annual harvesting is expected to be equal to 240 TJ of energy which is equivalent to 5,600 tons of domestic fuel oil. The project allows developers and manufacturers to further develop and demonstrate techniques and equipment in practice. There is great potential in exporting the concept, both to other parts of Denmark and abroad. Project participants: AgroTech, Vestjysk Landboforening, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, Danish Agricultural Advisory Service National Centre, University of Copenhagen, Holstebro Municipality, Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, HedeDanmark and Dansk Fjernvarmes Projektselskab A.m.b.a. Additional participants are representatives of participating landowners. Phase 1 of the project was conducted in Project period:

15 Willow test field 15

16 16 Elephant grass

17 Biomass Resources Biomass Potential at Local Level Use of biomass for energy is an important factor in achieving Central Denmark Region s goal of 50 percent renewable energy by The project focuses on three municipalities: Randers, Syddjurs and Norddjurs in all three the possibilities of utilising existing biomass and growing biomass for energy will be identified in detail. Previous surveys of biomass resources have typically been conducted on a more theoretical level. In the long run, the project should help to increase the share of energy produced from locally grown biomass. Opportunities and barriers are clarified by means of technical, economic and organisational analysis. The results will also form the basis for developing the industry in biomass. Project participants: CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology) is responsible for the project. In addition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, the municipalities of Randers, Syddjurs and Norddjurs as well as other partners. Project period: Residues Ensure Sustainability At the port of Grenaa, Danish Biofuel plans to establish a factory for the annual production of 200 million litres of bioethanol based on 600,000 tons of feed wheat. In this connection, Central Denmark Region is supporting a project that will clarify the possible use of the residues for animal feed with a high protein content. Optimal utilisation of the residues will contribute both to ensuring the economy of bio-refineries as well as increasing the sustainability of the overall project. This strong focus on full utilisation of residues is new and contains a significant export potential. At the same time, local business development is created in technologies for refinement, storing, transportation etc. Danish Biofuel estimates that in total this will generate 200 jobs, of which 50 will be involved in production. Add to that the significant activity during the construction of bio-refineries themselves Project participants: AgroTech, Danish Biofuel Holding A/S, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, Danish Agricultural Advisory Service National Centre, Cimbria A/S, Hamlet Protein A/S, Biomar Group A/S, Crocus I/S. Project period:

18 Algae to energy Algae to Energy Algae can be one of tomorrow s major energy resources. Algae grow quickly and do not compete with food production on land. The technological development for use of algae to energy is at a relatively early stage, compared with other biomass resources. The project will create the foundation for business development in the region concerning the necessary technology and knowledge. Part of the project is to establish an algal growth pond which will form the basis for optimising the production chain. In connection with the project, an industry cluster will be formed, focusing on making algal cultivation an area of business. The plan is to identify the potential for business development via workshops with participants from both industry and research. Project participants: The National Environmental Research Institute at Aarhus University, Danish Technological Institute, Havets Hus, Kattegatcentret, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University and DONG Energy. Project period:

19 Business Network for Biomass to Energy This is an international network of innovative companies, research institutions and educational institutions dealing with energy from biomass. There are approximately 250 companies in the network. Straw as biomass The network will enhance the knowledge dissemination to enterprises as well as the cooperation between enterprises. Moreover, the network will assist companies in contacting research and educational institutions both nationally and internationally in order to encourage innovation and development of new processes and products. Participating companies from the network will be given assistance in finding funding opportunities for research and development projects. Project parties: CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology) with the participation of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, Danish Technological Institute, AgroTech A/S and Faculty of Life Sciences at University of Copenhagen. Project period:

20 20 Ringkøbing Fjernvarmeværk

21 Future District Heating Danish Development Centre for District Energy District heating is an important element of both the current and future energy supply systems. Denmark has a unique position in this field and had great success in converting to combined heat and power production in the 1980s. Since then, the district heating sector has stagnated slightly in terms of innovation and development. In recent years it has also been difficult to get students at engineering schools and universities interested in the subject. A new development centre for district heating will help remedy this. In 2009 it was decided to establish a nationwide development centre for district heating which will be the driving force behind the development of new technology in the district heating sector from energy source to consumption. Danish Development Centre for District Energy is to develop new products and ensure close co-operation between educational institutions, district heating production and subcontractors from the industry. In addition, the centre will coordinate new initiatives and dissemination of new knowledge. The development centre will ensure better opportunities for Denmark to use renewable energy and increased export opportunities in the district heating industry. The board of the Danish Development Centre for District Energy consists of: Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering, Engineering College of Aarhus, Danish Technological Institute, AffaldVarme Århus, COWI, Danfoss Redan A/S, Kamstrup A/S, Københavns Energi A/S and Danish District Heating Association. Project period:

22 The sun Users without a solar heating system Ring Søpark Buildings with roofintegrated solar heating system Accumulator Terrestrial solar heating system District heating plant Solar heating integrated in district heating system The successor to Natural Gas District heating is one of the cornerstones of Denmark s energy supply. In order to achieve a society independent of fossil fuels, it is important to consider renewable energy into the district heating system. Solar heating, heat storage and heat pump technologies can reduce the use of fossil fuels in combined heat and power plants. In connection with the establishment of a major residential area, Brædstrup Fjernvarme (district heating plant) has taken the opportunity to include heat supply from renewable sources in the project design phase. The vision of this concept is to develop a part of town that does not contribute CO 2 from space heating and hot water. 22

23 The cornerstone of the project is a further development of the existing district heating technology combined with solar heating systems on roofs and on the ground. When there is excess heat from the solar heating system in the residential area, the heat may be stored in the accumulator of the district heating plant and be distributed from there to other residential areas via Brædstrup Fjernvarme. An initial project has shown that the concept is technically feasible. Drill hole for seasonal storage Using traditional storage of hot water from solar heating, a conventional Danish heat and power system can displace up to 20 percent of the use of fossil fuels. Using long-term storage (seasonal storage) of heat in the upper sub-soil, it is theoretically possible to displace up to percent of fossil fuels in the combined heat and power plants. The next project will therefore be studying whether it is possible to use solar heating widely with seasonal storage where hot water is stored in the sub-soil. The project is the last phase before the establishment of a full-scale demonstration plant. Based on geological data, the possibilities of seasonal storage of heat in the subsoil in Central Denmark Region are also assessed. Later on, there will be an opportunity to apply the concept to other district heating systems. Project participants in phase 1: Brædstrup Fjernvarme, PlanEnergy, Rambøll, Advansor, SolarCAP, ARCON Solar and Danfoss. The project was conducted in Project participants in phase 2: Brædstrup Totalenergianlæg, PlanEnergy, Danish Technological Institute, Advansor A/S and ARCON A/S. Project period:

24 24 Offshore wind turbine

25 Wind Power Test Centre for offshore Wind Turbines The Danish wind turbine industry currently has an urgent need for testing areas for wind turbines, although the vast majority of Danish wind turbines produced today are exported. There is a need to develop and test new and larger wind turbines close to the Danish wind turbine industry and close to Danish research and educational institutions, which help to ensure a continuous development of wind turbine technology. Today, there is only one testing site at Høvsøre with a capacity for five turbines with a height of up to 165 metres. The wind turbine industry estimates that there is a need for further capacity for prototype wind turbines with a height of up to 250 metres. Two of the world s leading wind turbine manufacturers are located in Central Denmark Region and it is therefore natural that Central Denmark Region has been working with the Danish government since 2007 for the designation of appropriate test sites. Flexible Power Consumption The energy system faces a number of challenges related to integration of an increasing amount of wind power in the electricity grid, since the production of wind power is not constant. Electricity meter The project aims to examine whether new technologies and methods can be developed to make it easier for companies to place a part of their energy consumption at times when there is a high electricity production from wind turbines. The project involved 12 companies with an energy consumption that exceeded 0.1 GW per hour. The perspectives for the project are a better utilisation of the electricity produced from wind turbines for society and the fact that companies to a greater extent can have access to electricity during periods of low electricity prices. Project participants: Danish Technological Institute, Energi Danmark A/S, GridManager A/S, Danfoss Solutions A/S and a number of manufacturing companies. Project period:

26 Navitas Park Navitas Park in Aarhus will be the new hub for energy, innovation and education in Central Jutland. The park will be located on the harbour front in Aarhus. The building will be finished in 2014 and will house more than 2,300 students, teachers, researchers and entrepreneurs. Aarhus Municipality is the primary initiator of the project. Behind the construction of Navitas Park are the Engineering College of Aarhus, Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering and INCUBA Science Park. The goal is to create a leading knowledge centre and innovative environment for the development and utilisation of energy technology and the plan is also to establish a centre for wind turbine technology. Business Network for the Wind Turbine Industry MidtVind is an innovative network of suppliers to the wind turbine industry. The large wind turbine manufacturers of Central Jutland have become global players and, at the same time, the manufacturers are increasingly placing new demands on the suppliers for quality and standardisation. The suppliers are therefore facing many new challenges. The purpose of the network is to strengthen co-operation between suppliers internally and between the suppliers and research and educational institutions. The result of this co-operation is expected to be improved innovation and co-operation between the suppliers, so that the companies will be in a stronger position globally. The network regularly arranges internal training courses on topics such as Lean, Six Sigma, internationalisation and CSR. 26

27 Transportation of turbine blades One of the participating companies has opened an office in Beijing, with the assistance of other companies in the network. MidtVind consists of a group of 14 companies mainly from Central Jutland. The companies belong to different industries but are all suppliers to the wind turbine industry. MidtVind has appointed a project manager to coordinate the co-operation between the companies in the group and the contact to research and educational institutions. Project period:

28 28 Analysis of biogas

29 Technology Development EnergiTEKmidt EnergiTEKmidt supports development in small and medium-sized enterprises in Central Denmark Region. The support consists of guidance from Business Link Central Denmark and assistance from consultants with specialist knowledge. The guidance from Business Link Central Denmark is free and the grant is up to 50 percent of the consultant s fee to a maximum of DKK 250,000. The support is given to develop and commercialise technology in the energy and environment sector. Business Link Central Denmark is the operator of the scheme. The following describes three cases where the support from the EnergiTEKmidt programme has made a significant difference. Household Wind Turbine will Make the World Greener HSWind is a new wind turbine manufacturer from Randers which has developed a household wind turbine of 25 kw. The household turbine targets both companies and the private market. Behind HSWind are Svend Enevoldsen and Henrik Kristiansen who have a background in the wind turbine and automotive industries respectively. HSWind received a grant from EnergiTEK midt for external consultancy to finish developing the prototype and get it approved. The external consultants assisted primarily with the necessary load calculations to be used for the prototype and type approval. Production manager Henrik Kristiansen stresses that the company would never have existed if they had not received help from the EnergiTEK midt programme. The prototype was approved in 2009, and HSWind was established that same year with the hiring of two new employees. Once the type approvals are in place, the sales in Denmark and around the world can begin. Nacelle from HSWind New Invention Reduces Standby Consumption The company IP-Tech ApS has invented the product Zzzero which is able to reduce the consumption of standby power to approximately one per thousand of the existing. Zzzero has far-reaching green perspectives and the market potential is great, especially because of a new European tightening of the requirements for electronic products consumption in standby mode. 29

30 Solar heating system from SolarVenti Zzzero can be installed in all products that have a standby consumption. Behind the company IP-Tech ApS in Odder is René Ingemann Pedersen and Jan Knudsen. Both are electronics engineers and none of them had experience in starting-up and running a company. The company received a grant from EnergiTEKmidt to finish developing the prototype and commercialise the product through external consultancy. René Ingemann Pedersen emphasises that the financial support from EnergiTEKmidt was crucial to the company s development. Now, IP-Tech ApS has a business plan that includes sales promotion, marketing, patenting and lobbying. The organisation is under construction, and the company is currently negotiating with a number of large investors who can introduce the invention into the market. 30 SolarVenti in Thorsø SolarVenti has produced solar heating systems for more than 30 years and is one of Europe s largest producers of solar heating systems to private households. The company is owned

31 and managed by Hans Jørgen Christensen and has 22 employees. SolarVenti had a turnover of DKK 20 million in The company had a number of ideas for product development of their high-tech operating system for the solar heating installations. Despite already having an operating profit and having a global market share, the contribution from EnergiTEKmidt was the factor that really got product development started. Manager Hans Jørgen Christensen estimates that this process will have a great impact on the company. The first part of the new product will soon be fully developed and could open a large, new additional market. Energy-Optimised swimming Pool On 1 February 2008, Egmont Højskolen in Hou started the project design phase of a new construction that, among other things, will include a pool filled with seawater, suitable for handicapped. The goal is to run the school with very low energy consumption for space and water heating. The purpose of the project was to show how it is possible with advantage to combine various technologies in the construction of a new pool, such as integration of heat pumps and solar heating. The idea of heating seawater in an indoor pool is new to the Danish context and the project offers good opportunities to combine energy technologies. Experience from the demonstration project can be applied to other public swimming pools in Denmark and abroad. The pool is expected into service by June Project participants: Egmont Højskolen, Danish Technological Institute, Boulstrup-Hou Kraftvarmeværk and others. Project period:

32 32 House 32 Region of Midtjylland Natural - Grønne Science fremskridt - Grøn energi og erhvervsudvikling

33 Knowledge and Communication House of Natural Science House of Natural Science is located in Bjerringbro and was inaugurated in The aim of the centre is to increase the interest among children and young people in science and technology. The building is around 2,400 m2 over four floors and contains classrooms, exhibition areas, auditorium, laboratory and workshops. Central Denmark Region supports a project connected to House of Natural Science. The project s first phase is to show how different sustainable energy technologies such as solar cells, solar heating panels, geothermic energy, heat pumps, wind turbines and district heating can be integrated into a building and how the energy consumption can be made visible to occupants and visitors. The second phase of the project is the implementation of the selected sustainable technologies and a visualisation tool will be developed, which can be used by visitors to the centre. The project will give companies supplying equipment to the project, new information and ideas as to how their systems can be integrated with other technologies. Project partners include: Foundation Naturvidenskabernes Hus and ISIS Katrinebjerg. Systems suppliers include Danfoss Heat Pumps (geothermic systems), Dantherm (ventilation), Grundfos (pumps), TAC (ventilation) and Bjerringbro Fjernvarmeværk (hot water). The first phase of the project was carried out during the period Project period Phase 2: ENERGY Accounts In 2008, Central Denmark Region offered all municipalities in the region the option of having an energy account for their own geographical area. The same offer is given in 2010, though now climate change account is included. The energy accounts include a lot of information important for the municipality when they are planning future energy supplies. The account can give background information for political energy and climate change planning and can include a variety of different actions including plans to set up wind turbines or replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy. Climate plan of Randers Municipality Energy accounts give municipalities an overview of their energy consumption and the proportion of energy from sustainable sources. 33

34 As part of the project, the region also offers municipal employees working with the subject, training on interpretation of the account. Training courses include instructions on how the audits can be used to create municipal action plans for energy use and climate change. CLIMATE SUMMIT 2009 Central Denmark Region took part in many projects and activities in connection with COP 15, including the Danish Championship in climate change solutions, which was run by the Climate Consortium. The aim of the competition was to get Danish citizens and companies to contribute to a reduction in climate change by changing behaviour and contributing to innovation. All municipalities in the region and Central Denmark Region worked in a common climate project group to get an overview of energy and environmental solutions. At the same time, a programme was established co-ordinated by Midtjysk Turisme, to focus on the possibility of attracting visitors interested in the energy and environmental sectors to the region. COP15 Grants for Activities in Connection with the Climate Summit 2009 Growth Forum and Central Denmark Region allocated a budget of DKK 10 million to support activities which could profile the region as a leading business area for energy and environment in connection with the Climate Summit. Activities included: Beyond Kyoto Aarhus University held an international conference which focused on climate related competences and solutions. Demonstration of Central Denmark Region s Strengths in the Energy and Environmental Sectors The Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technologies (CBMI) profiled leading companies within the sectors via exhibitions and other events. Current and Future Energy Conscious Building The House of Natural Science in Bjerringbro created an exhibition with a number of companies from the energy and environmental sector. 34

35 Samsø Energy Academy Study programmes both to Samsø as a sustainable energy island as well as to the rest of Central Denmark Region, demonstrating leading companies in the energy and environmental sectors. Engineering Innovation for the Climate Aarhus School of Engineering ran summer camps and courses for Danish and foreign business people and students with topics in a number of different environmental technologies. CONFERENCES Central Denmark Region was organiser/co-organiser of two large conferences within the energy and environmental sectors. The first conference was titled Energy and Environment a Driving Force Behind Growth and Business Development and was held in During the conference, the regional focus on energy and environment was presented for the first time. The conference was attended by the energy sector, representatives from the business community, research and development institutions, municipalities, the regional council, interest groups and many more. The conference Future Perspectives From Words to Action was held together with Randers Municipality in The theme of the conference was based on the government s target that at least 30 percent of Denmark s energy consumption in 2020 should be from renewable resources. Future Perspectives focused on the opportunities to strengthen development at municipal and regional levels and particularly on the business community s role in the future with an increased focus on sustainable energy and climate. Conference 35

36 36 Wind turbines at Horns Rev

37 Network Business Network for the Wind Turbine Industry MidtVind is an innovative network of suppliers to the wind turbine industry. The large wind turbine manufacturers of Central Jutland have become global players and, at the same time, the manufacturers are increasingly placing new demands on the suppliers for quality and standardisation. The suppliers are therefore facing many new challenges. The purpose of the network is to strengthen co-operation between suppliers internally and between the suppliers and research and educational institutions. The result of this co-operation is expected to be improved innovation and co-operation between the suppliers, so that the companies will be in a stronger position globally. The network regularly arranges internal training courses on topics such as Lean, Six Sigma, internationalisation and CSR. One of the participating companies has opened an office in Beijing, with the assistance of other companies in the network. MidtVind consists of a group of 14 companies mainly from Central Jutland. The companies belong to different industries but are all suppliers to the wind turbine industry.midtvind has appointed a project manager to coordinate the co-operation between the companies in the group and the contact to research and educational biomasse institutions. Project period: produktion viden virksomhed materialer BIOMATERIALS NETWORK Around 10 percent of the world s fossil fuels udvikling are used in plastic samarbejde manufactoring and the aim of the biomaterials network is to promote the use of biomaterials as a replacement. plast forskning The manufacture of plastics based on plant material is estimated to have a huge business energi development potential for both agriculture and industry. Randers olie Municipality has therefore taken the initiative to establish the network, which planter will consist of businesses and knowledge institutions. Network The aim of the network is to ensure that companies have access to the newest information and research within biomaterials and can use this knowledge for product development and product change. 37

38 Project partners include: Randers Municipality, Aarhus University, Business Link Central Denmark, Plastindustrien and Central Denmark Region. Both Danish Technological Institute and AgroTech A/S are involved in the initial analysis. Project period: Business Network BIOMASS TO ENERGY This is an international network of innovative companies, research institutions and educational institutions dealing with energy from biomass. There are approximately 250 companies in the network. The network will enhance the knowledge dissemination to enterprises as well as the cooperation between enterprises. Moreover, the network will assist companies in contacting research and educational institutions both nationally and internationally in order to encourage innovation and development of new processes and products. Participating companies from the network will be given assistance in finding funding opportunities for research and development projects. Project partners: CBMI (Innovation Centre for Bioenergy and Environmental Technology) with the participation of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University, Danish Technological Institute, AgroTech A/S and Faculty of Life Sciences at University of Copenhagen. Project period: CLIMATE CLUSTER HOLSTEBRO ClimateCircle The climate cluster in Holstebro is based on a vision of using the local strengths in utilisation of waste and biomass for energy to drive economic growth further. Holstebro Municipality has the second highest coverage of sustainable energy in the region and has the long term aim of achieving 120 percent coverage in the future. Co-operation in ClimateCircle should result in: Technological and commercial innovation Growth in established companies Establishment of new companies Attracting new knowledge resources Creation of educational environments Business tourism with respect to the communication park The climate cluster facilitate business networks, make agreements with research institutes, establish a communication park, match companies with each other and help with entrepreneurship. 38

39 Participants in the climate cluster include: Holstebro Municipality, Vestforsyning A/S, Nomi A/S, Dong Energy (Maabjerg plant), Nupark and Maabjerg Bioenergy A/S. Project period: WAVE ENERGY NETWORK DEXA Wave Energy ApS in Holstebro is working on the development of a wave energy plant. A model system has been tested at Aalborg University with promising results and a 1/10th scale system was tested in 2009 in the Limfjord. The next step is testing a 1/5th scale model in the North Sea, with a final full-scale test to be carried out as the last step before commercialisation. The DanWec wave energy centre has been established in Hanstholm and will provide the framework facilities for the tests. A cost price has been estimated for a commercial wave plant of DKK 11 million per installed MW, with a production price per kwh of DKK If the estimates are realistic, wave energy will in the future be competitive when compared with wind energy. The long term business potential for Central Denmark Region is expected to be great particularly as there is a large potential network of suppliers and subcontractors. Project partners include: DEXA Wave Energy ApS, Aalborg University, A1 Consult, Hanstholm Skibssmedie ApS, Fjero A/S, Uni El, DMU and Danish Technological Institute. Project period: Wave energy plant from DEXA Wave 39

40 Central Denmark Growth Forum Central Denmark Growth Forum is a partnership between municipalities, business support and labour market organisations, education and research institutes and the regional authority. Central Denmark Growth Forum s responsibilities include: Providing an overview of development in the region Strategy and action plans for the creation of wealth and jobs in Central Denmark Region. Regional Development Central Denmark Growth Forum Skottenborg 26, DK-8800 Viborg, Denmark