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 city
With 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.

"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," says Kim Kanstrup, Section Manager at HOFOR.

"With the Danfoss Leanheat solution, HOFOR can operate their district heating network more efficiently and reliably," says Lars Troldahl from District Energy at Danfoss:

"By automatically optimizing the supply temperature to the network, we can reduce heat loss and costs while still meeting customer needs."

The environmental benefits go beyond cost savings; the improved efficiency also leads to reduced fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

From pilot project to full implementation
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.

“This agreement is proof that both Danfoss and HOFOR have ambitious goals for temperature optimization and energy efficiency,” says Jonas Loholm, Business Development Director in Danfoss’ district heating division. “It confirms our role as a leader in digital district heating solutions, serving not just as an inspiration in Denmark, but globally.”

Danfoss is responsible for the full implementation of the new solution.

HOFOR and Danfoss future-proof heating in Copenhagen with a new data solution