EU-funded feasibility study paves the way for local Power-to-X production of green fuels on Bornholm

For the past year, an EU-funded feasibility study has investigated the possibility of local Power-to-X production of green fuels on Bornholm. Behind the study is a group led by Port of Roenne A/S and a number of local and national actors, including the Regional Municipality of Bornholm, Ramboll, Topsøe, Ørsted, BEOF and DTU.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the basis for a production of green fuels on Bornholm. Production of Power-to-X fuels has become relevant in connection with the establishment of the Energy Island Bornholm, where a minimum of three GW of offshore wind will be installed, as well as established energy connections to Zealand and Germany.

A Power-to-X project can help increase the value of the new energy island and support the political goals of a 70% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030 and the expansion of Power-to-X projects in Denmark.

The main conclusions of the Power-to-X report include:

1. Power-to-x production on Bornholm is possible in connection with the establishment of the energy island
2. There is plenty of wastewater available on Bornholm, even for a large Power-to-x plant. Neither groundwater nor seawater will therefore be necessary to use in a possible Power-to-X process
3. There is a market for green fuels locally, and it is expected that there will be a rapidly growing market for maritime traffic
4. There are opportunities to make sector coupling and utilize waste heat from a Power-to-X plant for district heating
5. Waste heat from a Power-to-X plant can also be used for new businesses on Bornholm
6. Oxygen from a Power-to-X plant can be used to treat our wastewater through, for example, symbiosis between wastewater and Power-to-X production
7. A Power-to-X plant can help balance the energy system

The study does not make specific suggestions for the location of a Power-to-X plant but has prepared a guideline for potential developers with input to finding a location of a possible Power-to-X plant on Bornholm.

As part of the study, a roadmap or work program has been made for how a Power-to-X plant can be established. This knowledge will now be made freely available, as will other conclusions of the study.

The project has looked at the production of ammonia and hydrogen, but in the coming months will also investigate whether it is also possible to establish a production of methanol, which is the green fuel that many ships begin to sail on.