The citizens of Egtved can look forward to a greener and cheaper heat source in the future. Recently, for the first time in Linka’s history, negotiations and contracts were negotiated and signed 100% digitally. Linka, as mechanical contractor, will deliver a combined plant consisting of a 2 MW biomass plant and a 2.1 MW heat pump plant. “Both we and Egtved Varmeværk focus on the UN’s 7th world goal, which is about sustainable energy. Therefore, we are proud to announce that this plant will deliver 100%CO2 neutral heat” says Thomas Gaardbo, CEO at Linka Energy.

The investment in the new facility is the result of years of careful consideration of different solutions. The decision to install a biomass plant was made when it became clear that such a plant together with a heat pump is the best and most robust for the heating plant and at the same time the solution that gives consumers the greatest savings on heating costs.

The CHP plant can use wood chips and straw as primary fuels but also other biomass-based waste products such as grain and seed husks can be used. This ensures a high degree of fuel freedom and is crucial in terms of security of supply, compared to using only one type of fuel. At the same time, flexibility is ensured as the fuel can be purchased locally.

The idea for the project actually started as far back as 2009, but it was only in 2018 that the final go-ahead was given to find a new heating solution. “With the help of Dansk Fjernvarmes Projektselskab (DFP) we chose Linka Energy because with that choice we get a fuel flexibility not seen in any other plant” says Leif O. Rasmussen, Operations Manager at Egtved Varmeværk. Rasmussen, operations manager, Egtved Varmeværk.

In addition to the financial savings of about 3.000 DKK. annually per customer, the new biomass plant will result in an annual reduction ofCO2 emissions of approximately 14,000 tons. “It was important for us to get a future-proof heating plant with the highest possible environmental profile and not just a boiler to burn wood chips” says Anders Rønshof, chairman of Egtved Varmeværk.

Construction of the plant is expected to start in June 2020 and to be operational in early 2021.

The fully automated, state-of-the-art heating plant is designed to ensure stable operation with a focus on user-friendliness and a good working environment for operating personnel. Operating requirements are minimal and the system can even be monitored remotely, meaning that consumers are always guaranteed access to heat.

The biomass plant consists of a 2 MW Linka wood chip and straw boiler. Fuel handling is via an automatic overhead crane that feeds the straw table and a walking floor system that feeds the wood chips into the boiler.

The fuel is then fed by auger to the combustion chamber, where the fuel is burned efficiently and with the lowest possible emissions in accordance with current regulations.

The heat pump included in the system is a complete solution that can capture energy from outdoor air and water. It is designed so that high efficiency is achieved by heating in 3 stages, both at full load and at reduced load.

With the choice of a sustainable combination plant from Linka Energy, Egtved Varmeværk has future-proofed the heat production for the citizens of Egtved.

Photo: Vejle Municipality