Developing Positive Energy Districts at Ports as a Solution to Congestion in the Electricity Grid - A Case Study of Frederikshavn and Eigersund
Authors
Christensen, Cecilie Glavind ; Bang, Cecilie ; Eskesen, Cathrine Sutton
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-06-04
Pages
104
Abstract
This thesis examines how industries and businesses located in ports can secure a stable and sufficient energy supply. The central question is how ports can overcome barriers by transforming into a Positive Energy District (PED) adapted to local, context-specific conditions. Here, a PED is understood as a coordinated effort within a defined area where actors plan, produce, and share energy across sites to strengthen supply. A review of current knowledge on energy sharing and sustainable energy initiatives reveals a gap, which motivates the thesis’s focus on PEDs. Through a case study of Frederikshavn Port in Denmark and Eigersund Port in Norway, based on interviews and energy system analysis, the thesis shows that developing a virtual PED is feasible in both ports. Such an approach can help industries and businesses achieve adequate energy supply. However, this transition requires targeted measures, including support for long-term, holistic grid planning; increased local acceptance; setting a clear political direction; support for project-oriented port management; stronger stakeholder collaboration; and expanded opportunities for energy sharing. The findings highlight the importance of local context and can inform ports seeking to work toward PED solutions.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan industrier og virksomheder i havne kan sikre en stabil og tilstrækkelig energiforsyning. Det centrale spørgsmål er, hvordan havne kan overvinde barrierer ved at blive omdannet til et positivt energidistrikt (PED), tilpasset de konkrete lokale forhold. Et PED forstås her som et samarbejde i et afgrænset område, hvor aktører planlægger, producerer og deler energi på tværs for at styrke forsyningen. En gennemgang af den nyeste viden om energideling og bæredygtige energiinitiativer peger på et videnshul, hvilket begrunder fokus på PED’er i dette speciale. Gennem et casestudie af Frederikshavn Havn i Danmark og Eigersund Havn i Norge, baseret på interviews og energisystemanalyse, viser specialet, at det er muligt at udvikle et virtuelt PED i begge havne. En sådan løsning kan hjælpe industrier og virksomheder med at opnå tilstrækkelig energiforsyning. Omstillingen kræver dog målrettede tiltag, herunder: støtte til langsigtet og helhedsorienteret planlægning af elnettet; øget lokal accept; fastlæggelse af en tydelig politisk retning; støtte til projektorienteret ledelse af havne; styrket samarbejde mellem interessenter; samt bedre muligheder for energideling. Resultaterne understreger betydningen af kontekstafhængige forhold og kan informere havne, der ønsker at arbejde mod PED-løsninger.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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