Denmark biomass use in district heating

Denmark relies heavily on biomass for its district heating sector, which is largely managed by consumer-owned cooperatives. While renewable energy accounts for approximately 80% of heat production, the specific composition of biomass is shifting. Wood biomass currently accounts for 42% of systemic heat production, while straw, biodegradable waste, and biogas contribute smaller portions.

Projections suggest that total consumption of pellets, wood chips, and straw will decrease significantly from 112 PJ in 2025 to approximately 25 PJ by 2050 as electrification and heat pumps increase. However, straw is expected to remain a critical component, potentially constituting nearly half of the remaining biomass used in smaller heating systems.

Despite political promises and criticism from the Climate Council, biomass combustion is expected to continue at combined heat and power plants for decades. Currently, two-thirds of Denmark’s renewable energy consumption is derived from biomass burned at over 150 district heating plants. Large-scale facilities, such as the Amagerværket plant, utilize wood pellets and wood chips to provide significant heat and electricity capacity to multiple municipalities, including Copenhagen.