The district heating plant in Gamleby invested in 90 kW of local, weather-independent electricity production
Background
The district heating plant in Gamleby is owned by Västervik Miljö och Energi AB, which in recent years has invested in modernizing the plant to enable fully fossil-free district heating production. In connection with this, Västervik Miljö och Energi chose to invest in an ORC turbine connected to a new 5 MW wood chip-fired hot water boiler. The investment not only reduces electricity and grid costs, but will also help the company achieve its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030.
Our solution
Againity delivered an automated ORC system with a maximum electrical capacity of 90 kW. The ORC system enables electricity production from the hot water of the heating boiler. In total, the system is expected to produce 350 MWh annually, corresponding to emission reductions of 315 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents when replacing European marginal electricity. Västervik Miljö och Energi has signed a service agreement with Againity to ensure long lifetime and minimal maintenance.
Owner: Västervik Miljö och Energi AB
Location: Gamleby, Sweden
Existing boiler: 5 MW
Fuel: Wood chips
Heat production: 30 GWh/year
Boiler circuit temperature: 140 °C
District heating return temperature: 55 °C
Againity delivery: ORC AT100
Installed capacity: 90 kW
Expected electricity production: 350 MWh/year
From heat to combined heat and power – 3 quick questions with Tommy Fridlund and Dennis Lindgren at Västervik Miljö och Energi AB
What was the reason for investing in an ORC turbine?
When we rebuilt the plant, we made it completely fossil-free, and it was a natural step to complement it with electricity production as well.
What reactions have you received regarding the project?
Internally, we have only received positive feedback, and it hasn’t created any additional workload for us. It also feels safe and reassuring that the ORC system is monitored by you.
How does Västervik Miljö och Energi view the electricity production?
Personally, I think it is a great complement when you already have a plant in operation. What we produce covers what we consume, which means we significantly reduce the load on the electricity grid.