Energy, Heat and Steam Generated from 99% Renewable Fuels

Hörneborgsverket, a biofuel-based cogeneration plant, is at the heart of Övik Energi’s energy production. Hörneborgsverket produces roughly equal amounts of district heating, steam, and electricity. Some 99% of the fuels used at the plant are renewable, and the steam is distributed to local industries.

Cogeneration plants, also known as combined heat and power plants (CHPs), which use a single fuel source to produce both energy and heat, convert almost all energy into useful energy. This in contrast to conventional power plants, which release heat without using it. District heating has a number of benefits; besides the possibility of substituting electricity with other heating sources, it can also generate electricity with minimal wasted energy.

Steam provider for local industries

The steam produced at Hörneborgsverket is distributed to neighbouring process industries. Due to the industries’ need for steam, which is in demand throughout the entire year, the cogeneration plant is used more than power plants that only supply district heating, for which demand fluctuates.

Hörneborgverket also purchases residual products from the Domsjö Fabriker biorefinery to use as fuel in the plant. Using fuel from waste material from a nearby industry not only brings added sustainability benefits but also reduces transport requirements.

District cooling from the local bay

As well as heat, industries and buildings, of course, also need cooling. Their cooling needs are met using cold water from the seabed of Övik bay, providing district cooling for both Hörneborgsverket and manufacturing industries, industrial plants, and other buildings within the Domsjö industrial area. The sea water is taken from a depth of 25 meters and the plant is one of the country’s largest suppliers of district cooling. The technology is an eco-friendly, low-carbon way of generating cooling for both people and machinery.

A knowledge centre for CHP and district cooling

Hörneborgsverket is an interesting subject for learning more about how a biofuel-fired cogeneration plant works and the sustainability mindset of the entire business. It also offers the opportunity to learn more about district cooling and its positive effects for the environment and economy.

Similar Best Practices

Manufacture in Wood – Sustainable Wooden Design

‘Manufacture in wood’ is a gathering of forces from the wood construction industry and the wood-based interior design industry. The project will take advantage of the expertise available in production, automation and digital systems so that companies that work with wooden house construction, interior design and design can develop, with new solutions and smarter processes.

Kristineberg Center – Accelerating Sustainable Blue Growth

Kristineberg Center is an open partnership founded to accelerate the transition to a sustainable blue economy. The mission is to advance the implementation of research and knowledge.

Near Infrared Sorting of Plastics from Household Waste Reduces Emissions by 75 %

This plant outside of Stockholm is the first of its kind in Sweden, using the Near-Infrared Technology to automatically sort out plastics from household waste. A total of 11,000 tonnes of plastic and 2,500 tonnes of metal are sorted out each year.

Waste to Energy Facility in Högbytorp

In a circular economy, waste is a resource that can be recycled into materials and energy. And that is exactly what is happening in the recycling facility in Högbytorp!

Energy Evolution Center

The Energy Evolution Center will be an arena for innovative solutions that lead to real energy conversion, increased competitiveness in companies and ensure long-term supply of skills.

Last-Mile Delivery – Inner-City Distribution

Last-mile delivery is the final stage of an item’s journey, where it reaches the end customer. It’s also the most carbon-intensive stage. Growth in e-commerce is increasing both traffic congestion and CO2 emissions from delivery vehicles. Intensive work is underway in Gothenburg to test carbon-neutral concepts for last-mile deliveries.

The Intelligent District Heating System – Makes Use of AI

In Karlshamn, a collaboration between several organisations has created a sustainable, intelligent district heating system. The system is controlled using the latest AI technology and is constantly evolving to create a future-proof sustainable energy supply.

Tvärpilen – a Small Residential Area, Big on Sustainability

The village of Kivik in south-east Sweden is where you’ll find the new residential area Tvärpilen, which combines beauty, sustainability and responsibility in perfect harmony.

Fossil-free steel demonstration plant in Vitåfors – direct reduction of iron ore pellets with hydrogen

HYBRIT’s demonstration plant in Vitåfors, northern Sweden, will demonstrate the value chain for fossil-free steel on an industrial scale. It includes production of hydrogen in order to manufacture sponge iron by direct reduction. The plant is due to open in 2026.

Fossil-free steel pilot plant reduces iron ore pellets use with hydrogen

HYBRIT is conducting trials on direct reduction of iron ore pellets, using hydrogen produced by fossil-free electricity. Currently, a pilot hydrogen storage is being built to test the best way to store hydrogen underground.

Haraholmen – a Green Industrial Park where Sustainability is Key

Haraholmen is an industrial park that brings together many sustainable initiatives and solutions to increase their positive impact. The site uses renewable energy, welcomes companies with a focus on environmental sustainability and is a hub for resource-efficient transport with access to roads, railways and a deepwater port.

Markbygden 1101 – Europe’s Largest Onshore Windfarm

Markbygden 1101 is the largest onshore wind power project in Europe. Once completed, it will consist of up to 1,101 wind turbines, producing up to 12 TWh per year. That’s around 8% of Sweden’s total electricity generation.

All Best Practices