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National PtX agreement passed

On 15 March the Danish government reached a broad agreement regarding a Power-to-X (PtX) strategy. For the HØST PtX Esbjerg project it means that yet another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place supporting the project’s ambition to deliver green energy to Esbjerg and Denmark by 2026.

Sustainable district heating and renewable fuels by 2026

The agreement sets the stage for a historic expansion of renewable electricity capacity intended as a basis for producing sustainable fuels for airplanes, ships, trucks and low-carbon fertilizer. HØST Project Director David Dupont-Mouritzen welcomes the new agreement:

”With the HØST project, we have an ambitious goal to deliver green ammonia to agriculture and shipping from 2026 . Furthermore, we will deliver renewable district heating to app. 15,000 households in Esbjerg, Fanø and Varde municipalities. The new PtX agreement comprises many positive elements which can contribute to fulfilling the Danish PtX potential. The expansion of renewable electricity capacity and suitable framework conditions with special focus on electricity tariffs, are by far the two most important elements of the agreement. If we as society fail in these areas, the PtX subsidies also announced in the agreement are of little value. Nevertheless, the successful closure of the agreement certainly means a lot us at HØST, and allows us to focus even more keenly on developing the plant.”

The next great industry adventure awaits Esbjerg

CIP is not alone in welcoming the good news. Also to Business Esbjerg and to the Mayor of Esbjerg, the PtX agreement marks an important step towards the next, renewable growth adventure:

”Esbjerg has the potential to become leading within PtX and the production of renewable fuels. For one, our region is the direct receiver of electricity from both existing and future offshore wind parks in the North Sea. Not having to transport the electricity over long distances makes for a positive business case. Furthermore, we already have a well-functioning gas infrastructure in place with gas pipelines from west to east and towards Germany, as well as a strong, local energy industry,” says Esbjerg Mayor Jesper Frost Rasmussen.

Danish minister acknowledges Esbjerg’s potential

Esbjerg’s ambition to play a key role in the sustainable energy supply of the future has not gone unnoticed, and even attracts attention among politicians in the Danish parliament. Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Mr. Dan Jørgensen gave the following statement to the local newspaper Jydske Vestkysten upon release of the PtX agreement:

”Esbjerg contributes to making Denmark a front runner on the sustainability agenda. Several PtX projects have been announced in Esbjerg Municipality amounting to a total capacity of more than 2 GW; this is a major contribution to Denmark’s aim of reaching 4-6 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030. These new, green technologies are crucial to our common, green future."

Governmental press release

Press release from the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities: Broad agreement earmarks billions of Danish kroner towards boosting development of new green fuels (kefm.dk)

Foto: Red Star - Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, Dan Jørgensen, visits HØST, August 2021