Heat networks in Denmark - Travel diary, January 2024

District heating is particularly well established in Denmark, thanks to an energy planning policy that favors the development of this technology. They enable the widespread use of thermal renewable and recovery energies and limit dependence on fossil fuels, while also providing flexibility to the electricity grid thanks to the development of large-scale storage infrastructures. In fact, the power grid is closely linked to heating networks, with cogeneration playing a key role. The local governance model of district heating networks, based on a non-profit approach, gives the sector a positive image. Today, they are seen as a means of developing renewable heat more rapidly and at a lower cost than individual solutions. This publication is based on two study trips to Denmark in which Cerema's district heating and cooling networks division took part: One organized by the Danish Embassy in Paris and the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH) on September 26 and 27, 2022; The other organized by NewHeat on September 27 and 28, 2023. The aim here is to present the Danish context in which the development of district heating networks has taken place. In addition, examples of heating networks are provided, based on the various sites visited during the study tours. Two focuses are given, one on solar installations supplying heating networks and the other on large-scale thermal storage, which is one of the distinguishing features of Danish heating networks