In Sweden, E.ON Sverige AB, a subsidiary of Germany-headed energy utility major has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction of a new hot water buffer tank at its Åbyverket biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Örebro – an investment that strengthens the flexibility, operational reliability and resilience of the district heating system.
When the buffer tank enters service in 2027, it will contribute to smoother production, more efficient operation, and reduced use of fossil reserve power by functioning as a heat storage that is automatically charged and discharged according to the network’s heat demand.
With the buffer tank, we get significantly higher system flexibility. Charging and discharging are fully automatic, which means that it responds quickly to variations in production and demand. This means that we can balance the load in the grid in real time and optimize district heating production without manual intervention, said Azra Sapcanin, Site Manager at Åbyverket.
The 30,200 m3 of hot water storage capacity corresponds to the annual heating requirement of approximately 100 small houses.
With the new plant, we can produce heat when conditions are at their best and use it when the load increases. This contributes to a stable and cost-effective energy system, as well as reduced climate impact for the whole of Örebro, Azra Sapcanin said.
Gigantic thermos flask
The tank functions as a large thermal battery: heat is stored when demand is low and can be delivered back to the heat network during peak load hours – for example, cold winter mornings.
This reduces the need for the simultaneous start of other heat production units and lowers power consumption in the electricity grid.
In addition to operational flexibility, the robustness of the energy system also increases.
In the event of any operational disruptions, the buffer tank can deliver heat directly to the heat network, thereby ensuring delivery to customers.
With a height of 62 m and a diameter of 27 m, the tank will be a new feature in the city’s skyline. Designed by Gatun Arkitekter, it is clad in metal and will be sited next to Åbyverket, visible from the E18/E20 motorway.
The project is part of E.ON’s long-term investment in district heating and supports Örebro’s goal of a sustainable and growing city.
Just like a thermos flask, the tank keeps the heat insulated until it is needed. This technical solution combines function and aesthetics – it will be both an important component of the energy system and a symbol of the energy transition in Örebro, ended Azra Sapcanin.
