Status, Challanges and Possibilities of Aalborg's Renewable Energy Transition

Abstract

Det globale skub for vedvarende energi nødvendiggør transformation af energisystemer, krævende ændringer af infrastruktur, teknologi og styring. Dette speciale undersøger Aalborg, Danmark, som et casestudie for at udforske udfordringerne og mulighederne for en transformation til vedvarende energi. Vi foreslår en metode for Aalborg til at integrere Ectogrid, en ny fjernvarmeteknologi, som en del af sin kommende energisystemopdatering. Gennem en multi-level governance analyse undersøger vi de statslige og institutionelle rammer, der former den igangværende og fremtidige udvikling, og de udfordringer, som byen har oplevet i sin overgang. Dette casestudie identificerer et fokusområde i Aalborg, der er velegnet til et eksperimentelt pilotprojekt, der har til formål at accelerere byens vedvarende energiomstilling og elektrificering. En central udfordring ligger i Danmarks eksisterende fossile brændselsafhængige infrastruktur, institutioner og begrænsede vedvarende energilovgivning. Disse faktorer kombineret med en høj grad af privatisering begrænser kommunens rolle i energiplanlægningen. At tackle disse udfordringer er afgørende for at muliggøre Ectogrids integration og fremme en bæredygtig energifremtid for Aalborg.

The global push for renewable energy necessitates transforming energy systems, demanding infrastructure, technology, and governance changes. This thesis examines Aalborg, Denmark, as a case study to explore the challenges and opportunities for a transformation towards renewable energy. We propose a method for Aalborg to integrate Ectogrid, a novel district heating technology, as part of its upcoming energy system update. Through a multi-level governance analysis, we investigate the governmental and institutional framework shaping ongoing and future developments and the challenges that the city has been experiencing in its transition. This case study identifies a focus area within Aalborg that is suitable for an experimental pilot project aimed at accelerating the city's renewable energy transition and electrification. A key challenge lies in Denmark's existing fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure, institutions, and limited renewable energy legislation. These factors, combined with a high degree of privatization, restrict the municipality's role in energy planning. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enabling Ectogrid's integration and fostering a sustainable energy future for Aalborg.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

Status, Challanges and Possibilities of Aalborg's Renewable Energy Transition