Sustainable Business Hub

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.

Meeting around 50 percent of demand, district heating is the most common form of heating in Sweden. It is also resource efficient and has environmental benefits, as it is fuelled by different types of waste such as household, forestry and industry waste.

Inspiring innovation through close collaboration

The district heating system in Karlshamn municipality is being further developed into an intelligent system. Municipality-owned energy company Karlshamn Energi is cooperating with NODA Intelligent Systems, which uses AI to apply sophisticated communication to energy systems. NODA uses forecasts to make Karlshamn’s district heating system more efficient and sustainable.

Low-carbon greenhouse

The intelligent district heating system serves 1,500 buildings, including private, commercial and public buildings such as schools. The largest customer is Elleholms Tomater, Sweden’s second-largest tomato greenhouse. It consumes approximately 17,000 MWh annually and relies on clean, smart, low-carbon energy from district heating. Elleholms Tomater also plans to build a fish farm next to the greenhouse, to further reduce return temperatures in the system.

Making use of excess heat

Some 99 percent of the energy in Karlshamn’s district heating system comes from renewable sources. 93 percent of the main supply of hot water to the district heating system comes from excess heat from Södra’s pulp and paper mill in Mörrum, which has installed capacity of 63 MW. The rest comes from AAK, a company specialising in plant-based oils for consumer products, which acts as the main backup supplier, with 22 MW installed and available as standby from September until April. Karlshamn Energi also has several smaller boilers in and around Karlshamn to support the system, mainly fuelled by biofuel.

The development of district heating supported by AI is one of many steps in Karlshamn Energi’s plan for 100 percent renewable district heating, highlighting the importance of innovative collaboration and AI’s role in a more sustainable future.

Related Videos


Similar Best Practices

The Intelligent District Heating System – Makes Use of AI

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

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.

Haraholmen – a Green Industrial Park where Sustainability is Key

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 – 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.

Skellefteå Airport – the First Fossil-Free Airport

Skellefteå Airport – the First Fossil-Free Airport

As the global aviation sector faces increasing demands to get on a sustainable flightpath, one airport in northern Sweden has gained a head start. It aims to become Europe’s, and probably the world’s, first fossil-free airport. It is also preparing to become a test centre for electrically powered and vertical take-off aircraft.

DigIT Hub Helps Businesses and Public Sector Achieve Digitalisation Goals

DigIT Hub Helps Businesses and Public Sector Achieve Digitalisation Goals

There is broad consensus that we cannot continue with business as usual if we are to achieve both a sustainable and prosperous future. DigIT Hub is an initiative that helps companies and the public sector digitalise in a unique, collaborative way.

CoordiNet – Exploring the Possibilities of a Flexible Power Market

CoordiNet – Exploring the Possibilities of a Flexible Power Market

The CoordiNet project is exploring the benefits of creating a ‘power flexibility market’. When electricity demand is high, market participants can offer to reduce their electricity use or increase electricity production and sell excess power to the grid operator.

Sweden’s largest battery storage – a front-edge project to meet increasing electricity demand

Sweden’s largest battery storage – a front-edge project to meet increasing electricity demand

Many cities around the world are growing rapidly, which increases the need for electricity. In the city of Uppsala, Sweden, a possible solution is being developed, piloting one of Sweden’s largest battery storages to meet the increased demand, enable continued expansion and mitigate increased capacity needs.

MAX IV Combines High-Tech Laboratory with High-Tech Sustainability

MAX IV Combines High-Tech Laboratory with High-Tech Sustainability

MAX IV is a world-leading accelerator physics laboratory for research into synchrotron radiation. It is also unique in its ambitious sustainability aims. Its smart solutions in energy efficiency, biological diversity and waste management make it the first building to receive the BREEAM-SE environmental classification.

Digital Urban Planning Process Boosts Sustainability, Efficiency and Equality

Digital Urban Planning Process Boosts Sustainability, Efficiency and Equality

Region Gotland has implemented a digital urban planning process to support case management, digital mailboxes and other aspects of administration. This is contributing to an open, gender-equal and sustainable planning and construction process.

Island of Gotland is Home to Sustainable Energy System Pilot Project

Island of Gotland is Home to Sustainable Energy System Pilot Project

The island of Gotland has been chosen as a pilot region for Sweden’s transition to a future sustainable energy system. The main requirements for this transition are a safe, reliable energy supply that is both ecologically sustainable and economically competitive.

Sensors and AI Technology Provide Smarter Power Grid Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Sensors and AI Technology Provide Smarter Power Grid Maintenance and Troubleshooting

In 2018, the electricity grid around Malå, Sweden, was fitted with a Smart Grid Surveillance system that detects and locates faults and deviations in the grid. The solution enables much more efficient and proactive maintenance, saving time and money.

My Visit Plan Favorite star