The future of district heating lies in AI-based solutions that can help utility companies optimize and manage energy. In a step toward better energy management, HOFOR (Greater Copenhagen Utility) has partnered with Danfoss by investing in Danfoss Leanheat® software.
Alongside investments in large heat pumps, geothermal energy, and other digital initiatives, HOFOR is transitioning to electricity-based production and maximizing energy efficiency in Copenhagen.
Benefiting the entire cityWith Danfoss Leanheat®, HOFOR integrates local weather forecasts and real-time data - including temperature measurements, critical system points, and heat demand forecasts - to dynamically optimize the supply temperature in the district heating network. This approach ensures that temperatures are kept as low as possible without compromising warmth and comfort.
Over time, the system adapts to the specific conditions of each district heating area, improving the accuracy of predictions and further optimizing operations. The environmental benefits go beyond cost savings; the improved efficiency also leads to reduced fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.
With climate change and fluctuating energy prices affecting us, we need to save heat. Intelligent control is a key milestone in our efforts to digitize and optimize Copenhagen’s district heating systems. If we can manage heat more precisely based on demand, we enhance efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. And we can do so without our customers noticing any difference or having to adjust their radiator thermostats themselves.
With the Danfoss Leanheat® solution, HOFOR can operate their district heating network more efficiently and reliably. By automatically optimizing the supply temperature to the network, we can reduce heat loss and costs while still meeting customer needs.
The collaboration follows a successful pilot project launched in 2020, which laid the foundation for the current implementation. Subsequently, HOFOR has chosen Danfoss Leanheat® as the standard software solution for temperature optimization.
The Leanheat® solution positions Danfoss as a key technology partner in district heating systems. Danfoss is responsible for the full implementation of the new solution.
This agreement is proof that both Danfoss and HOFOR have ambitious goals for temperature optimization and energy efficiency. It confirms our role as a leader in digital district heating solutions, serving not just as an inspiration in Denmark, but globally.
HOFOR A/S is Denmark’s largest local utility provider, delivering water, heating, city gas, district cooling, and wastewater management to more than 1 million people in the Greater Copenhagen area. We construct wind turbines and solar parks that supply energy for a greener Denmark. Together with our eight owner municipalities, we create sustainable cities with a focus on cloudburst projects, energy optimization, and developing future utility solutions.
We take responsibility and work closely with our customers, universities, businesses, and authorities. With over 150 years of experience, 1,600 employees, and an annual revenue exceeding 7 billion Danish kroner, HOFOR is a trusted leader in utility services.Visit hofor.dk