Based on the results from the three test wells drilled in Aarhus during the exploration phase, and due to positive technological developments in the project's first year, Kredsløb and Innargi are now updating their joint geothermal project. The ambition is to deliver the same amount of heat from three locations instead of the originally planned seven.
In 2022, Kredsløb and Innargi entered into an agreement to deliver 110 MW of geothermal heat to the district heating network equivalent to about 20% of Aarhus' consumption. That agreement still holds, but the plans for where and how the geothermal heat will be produced are being updated.
"Thorough analyses of all three test wells have shown that the northern part of Aarhus is the most suitable for geothermal energy from a subsurface perspective. Therefore, we have agreed with Kredsløb to place the geothermal plants in the northern part of the city."
Sune Birk Kerndrup
Project Director at Innargi
Advancements in heat pump technology and Kredsløb's ongoing efforts to lower temperatures in the district heating grid also make it possible to consolidate the project into fewer plants.
"We now have new technical opportunities, and we're continuously working to make the district heating system as energy-efficient as possible. This enables us to deliver more geothermal heat from fewer locations which benefits both land use and environmental impact."
Lasse Sørensen
Head of Business Development at Kredsløb
As a result, the total number of plants is being reduced from 7 to 3. The plan is to place the three facilities at Skejbyvej, Bautavej, and Halmstadgade, while the previously proposed plants in Brokvarteret, Bjørnholms Allé, Sumatravej, and Jens Juuls Vej are being excluded.
Kredsløb and Innargi have already informed the affected neighbours.
One consequence of this plan is that we now expect to drill two additional wells in Skejby. We've generally experienced a high level of understanding from locals regarding the need for sustainable, local heat sources but of course, some neighbours would have preferred that the work was already completed. That's why we'll do everything we can to keep people informed and minimize noise during drilling.
Sune Birk Kerndrup
Project Director at Innargi
"The plan is for the entire geothermal system, including all wells, to be ready in 2029. The green geothermal heat will replace the heat currently generated by burning wood pellets."
Lasse Sørensen
Head of Business Development at Kredsløb
FACTS
- The next drillings in Skejby are planned for 2027. The drilling period for one well is approximately 1.5 months.
- The overall timeline for the project remains unchanged, and the update will not result in price increases for consumers.
- The first geothermal heat is expected to be produced when the plant in Skejby starts operation in the autumn.
- The project may be further adjusted in response to future technological developments or challenges.
About the partners in the project
Kredsløb supplies district heating to 330,000 people and recycles waste for 170,000 households in Aarhus Municipality. Kredsløb has a stated goal of making it easy for customers and partners to contribute to the green transition.
Innargi A/S was founded in 2017 by A.P. Møller Holding A/S and is today owned by A.P. Møller Holding, ATP and NRGi. Innargi's mission is to decarbonise district heating by bringing geothermal energy into play as a source of heat in millions of homes with the expertise of an experienced team of geologists, reservoir, facility and drilling engineers, as well as through partnerships with district heating expert.
For further information
Contact: Communications Specialist Innargi, Sofie Biering Krogh, +45 4291 4188
