In 2022, Assens District Heating took the first steps in what would prove to be Denmark's largest district heating conversion project with the planning of 'Aarup and surrounding areas.' Along the way, a partnership with Grundfos emerged, where the iGRID solution ensured a reliable, stable, and sustainable heat supply.
As you drive north from Assens towards Aarup, you pass a number of small villages that, for decades, were too small to be connected to district heating. Today, however, the picture is very different. Thanks to a new 20 km transmission pipeline, the towns are now connected, providing reliable heating to just over 2,000 new customers in Aarup and the surrounding area.
What has made a particular difference throughout this process is Grundfos' willingness to persevere—even when we encountered obstacles along the way.
It is Assens District Heating, led by Torben Hjorth, Head of the Project Office, that stands behind the conversion project, where approximately 80% of the new consumers have converted from natural gas. Support for the project has only continued to grow throughout the process, and today Assens District Heating is experiencing a level of backing that exceeds all expectations:
- When the project was launched in 2022, the energy crisis was at its height and demand for district heating was growing across Denmark. As plans to connect Aarup to the district heating network took shape, it quickly became clear that the project could also bring district heating to smaller communities along the route, many of which would otherwise never have gained access. Today, these communities are set to benefit from a solution that is reliable, future-proof, and highly cost-effective,” says Torben Hjorth.
The project was not straightforward. Covering the distance between Assens and Aarup required a 20 km transmission pipeline, 12 pumping stations, and a solution capable of both supplying the towns and lifting the heat 60 metres up the elevation difference towards Aarup.
Strong partners and smart solutions
While the project was being planned, Grundfos had just begun introducing the iGRID solution across the country. As Assens District Heating was looking for a compact, cost-effective solution, Grundfos' modular pumping stations proved to be a perfect match:
- We were looking for a solution that was compact and simple. It quickly became clear that iGRID offered us much more than just a compact solution. For example, the modular design works a bit like a LEGO system, allowing us to adapt the stations as needed. That flexibility was simply crucial for us, explains Torben Hjorth.
Throughout the entire process, it has been clear that Grundfos was just as passionate about the project as we were.
A total of 12 pumping stations have been established along the route from Assens to Aarup, supplying district heating to surrounding villages such as Aborg, Turup, and Ørsted.
No matter how you look at it, challenges will always arise when working on projects of this scale. According to Torben Hjorth, this was exactly where the collaboration with Grundfos truly demonstrated its strength:
- There is no doubt about the quality of Grundfos' solutions. However, what especially made a difference throughout this process was their willingness to keep going, even when challenges arose along the way. We have been on a long journey together, and throughout the entire process, it was clear that Grundfos was just as passionate about the project as we were, he states.
We are making a major contribution to the green transition, and it is an incredibly rewarding journey to be part of.
Reliable heating with care
With the installation of iGRID, Assens District Heating has achieved more stable day-to-day operations. The pumps adjust pressure according to demand, which both future-proofs the project and optimizes energy consumption.
At Assens District Heating, the sense of pride is evident. The project has not only brought reliable heating to 2,000 new customers, it has also delivered one of the municipality's largest CO₂ reductions ever:
- Our Managing Director says it every year in the Christmas speech: This is something we can all be proud of. We contribute enormously to the green transition, and it is a truly rewarding journey to be part of, Torben Hjorth says with a smile.