The initial test drilling at the Port of Aarhus has been concluded, and Innargi is now moving the drilling rig to Skejbyvej, where the remaining tests will be carried out. In Skejby, the test phase includes two additional wells and a plant that can capture the heat from the geothermal water and transfer it to the water for district heating.
“We are very satisfied with the drilling process at the harbour and the temperature in the reservoir, though we would prefer a higher water production (flow rate). It is too early to conclude anything, as the well at the port is only the initial well of the testing phase. We will continue our work in Skejby, where we also plan to build a plant with heat exchangers and heat pumps and provide heat to Kredsløb, as the culmination of a successful test run. Not until then will we be able to comment on what the final design will look like.”
“I am delighted that the first wells at the port have found warm water, so there is cause for cautious optimism. I will be following the upcoming drilling in Skejby with excitement, as geothermal heat will have a huge impact on Aarhus.”
“We have been drilling around the clock and there have been lights on site – and although we do our best regarding soundproofing with an electric drilling rig, we know that the project has been both visible and audible. However, we have encountered an impressive understanding, or rather a curiosity, from the neighbours and have had very few complaints that we have been able to handle with good, direct dialogue. The people from Aarhus are supportive of the green transition. I’d like to thank you for that.”
About the Aarhus plant
- The geothermal heating plant in Aarhus will be the largest in the EU
- Geothermal energy is expected to cover 20% of the district heating demand in Aarhus
- In Aarhus, geothermal energy is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 165,000 tons of CO2 (reduction in immediate biogenic emissions and reduction due to alternative use of biomass)
About the partners
Kredsløb supplies district heating to 330,000 people and recycles waste for 170,000 households in Aarhus Municipality. Kredsløb has dedicated itself to making it easy for customers and partners to contribute to the green transition.
Innargi A/S was founded in 2017 by A.P. Møller Holding A/S and is today owned by A.P. Møller Holding, ATP, NRGi, and Sampension. Innargi’s mission is to enable geothermal energy as a source of heat in millions of homes with the expertise of an experienced team of engineers including geologists, reservoir, facility and drilling engineers, as well as through partnerships with district heating experts.
Learn more about the Aarhus Project
Kredsløb and Innargi have signed a 30-year agreement for the development and operation of the facility. In November 2023, drilling of the first of a total of 17 wells started. In 2025, we expect to deliver the first heat.
You can follow the progress of the project here.
