Development of bioenergy in European cities
We often talk about bioenergy as a solution for settlements and regions with poor infrastructure. However, we want to talk about bioenergy as a high-tech sector in large and developed European cities. In such cases, the decision to build a CHP on biomass was based not on the lack of other options, but on the understanding that bioenergy is the most profitable and promising solution. Cities for which 100% RES is a near prospect.
Stockholm
- Population: 2.3 million.
- Biomass: 80% heat; 20% transport.
- Plans for 2030 – 100% of all energy from RES.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Vartan_Bioenergy_CHP_Plant-17_Robin_Hayes.jpg)
Värtan CHP Urban Design – 130 MW of electric power + 280 MW of thermal power is one of the world’s largest biomass CHPs, located in the city center. Moreover, it is an excellent example of modern urban style.
Vilnius
- Population: 550,000.
- Biomass: 85% heat; 25% electricity.
- Plans until 2040 – 100% RES in the heat.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/vilniaus-kogeneracine-jegaine-5f4d175d11de0.jpg)
Vilnius CHP – 100 MW of electric power + 240 MW of thermal power is the largest biomass CHP in Eastern Europe. Lithuania’s experience is the most adaptive for Ukraine. For a long time, the city depended on more than 50% for natural gas. At the state level, a decision was made to switch to biomass. As a result, this CHP was built.
Copenhagen
- Population: 1.4 million.
- Biomass: 90% heat; 20% transport; 98% of the housing stock is connected to the DH (+ private sector).
- Plans for 2040 – 100% of all energy from RES.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/greening-avedore_1280x720.png)
DH system is completely competitive. The city has several large biomass CHPs with a total heat output of 1.3 GW: Avedøre Coal to biomass conversion, Amager Bakke Wte. For example, the Amager Bakke Wte roof is part of the city’s sports infrastructure with fitness areas, a climbing wall, and a ski slope. Copenhagen is one of the world leaders in the use of biomass in district heating. We will definitely tell you more about Denmark’s unique experience.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/copenhill_big-yankodesign01.jpg)
Paris
- Population: 10 million.
- Biomass: 30-40% heat; 50% of the housing stock is connected to the district heating.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/p1210845.jpg)
One of the most densely populated cities in the world has several powerful CHPs, some of which are located directly in the city center: ISSY-Les-Moulineaux, Saint Ouen, IVRY Sur Seine. Total heat capacity on biomass: 800 MW.
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Saint_ouen_6.jpg)
![](https://uabio.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IvryParisXIII.jpg)
We thank UABIO expert Oleksii Epik for an interesting analysis.