MAN Energy Solutions has successfully commissioned the first unit of its industrial-scale heat pump in Esbjerg, Denmark, marking the delivery of its first heat.
Operated by multi-utility company DIN Forsyning, the new heat pump plant will supply approximately 280,000 MWh of climate-neutral heat annually to the district heating networks of Esbjerg and the neighbouring town Varde.
Located at the Port of Esbjerg, the plant harnesses renewable energy and seawater as a heat source.
The facility is part of the transition to replace the city’s coal-fired power plant, which ceased operations, and forms a critical part of Esbjerg’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Helle Damm-Henrichsen, managing director of DIN Forsyning, said: “This is a significant milestone that we have eagerly anticipated for a long time. From now on, all our customers in Varde and Esbjerg will benefit from district heating directly sourced by the North Sea.
“This achievement is not only transformative for DIN Forsyning but also a major step forward for the climate. While we may be in western Jutland, I believe it’s fair to call this a world premiere: the world’s largest CO2-based seawater heat pump is now producing heat.”
Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions, stated: “I’m extremely proud that our Mega Heat Pump is now providing climate-neutral heat to the people of Esbjerg and Varde. As a pioneering city, Esbjerg demonstrates how urban heating systems can be reshaped by harnessing renewable energy sources.
“Utilising innovative industrial-scale heat pumps to deliver sustainable heating is not just a technological achievement but a blueprint for other cities worldwide as they transition to greener energy systems. At MAN Energy Solutions, we are committed to transforming energy into tangible benefits for communities and businesses while driving down emissions.”
Seawater heat pump makes successful start
