Significant investment in Hirtshals:
Front runner in green energy storage will invest DKK 500 million at Port of Hirtshals
Green transition at Port of Hirtshals takes another big leap with the establishment of one of Denmark's largest facilities for green energy storage. The company Green Energy Vault is setting up a green energy storage facility at the port, contributing to the port's ambitious plans to become a hub for the production and consumption of energy from renewable sources.
One of Denmark's largest energy storage facilities is now being established at Port of Hirtshals. Green Energy Vault is investing in an advanced energy storage system that will benefit both local businesses and the local power grid. The new energy storage facility will lead to significant savings for companies with high energy consumption, while also helping to reduce peak loads on the local power grid, thereby enhancing the stability of the distribution network in North Jutland.
Green Energy Vault’s total investment at Port of Hirtshals amounts to a significant DKK 500 million. In addition to DKK 275 million for the facility itself, Green Energy Vault will invest a further DKK 225 million in ongoing operational costs over a period of 20 years.
The agreement between Green Energy Vault and Port of Hirtshals underlines the port taking another significant step towards becoming Europe’s greenest port and a hub for the sustainable energy solutions of the future. Green Energy Vault is a leader in energy storage and is playing a crucial role in promoting the transition to a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system.
- We are proud to launch this ambitious initiative by establishing one of Denmark's largest energy storage facilities of 90 MWh at Port of Hirtshals. The project aligns with our mission to promote a sustainable future by building green power plants that integrate advanced energy storage technologies into the existing power infrastructure and support the port's planned expansion. This will give large energy consumers a unique opportunity to achieve significant energy cost reductions, as well as secure a green energy profile. Green Energy Vault aims to increase the utilisation rate and competitiveness of renewable energy in the port area and improve grid stability in Hirtshals and the surrounding area,” says CEO Tony Breach from Green Energy Vault, while adding that he has received great support from the port during discussions in recent months.
Port of Hirtshals is working continuously to attract companies that will collaborate with other businesses at the port on green energy initiatives. The agreement with Green Energy Vault fits perfectly into the port's strategy and confirms Port of Hirtshals’ position in the green transition and its status as a role model for national and international decision-makers.
“Green Energy Vault is establishing itself at Port of Hirtshals because they can see we are working with ambitious projects, that will have a big impact for production and consumption of green energy. The agreement underlines that we are an attractive partner and that companies see significant advantages in locating themselves at the Port of Hirtshals. As an example, we entered into an agreement with Norwegian Hydrogen earlier this year. They are establishing a large hydrogen production facility,” says CEO Per Holm Nørgaard from Port of Hirtshals.
Will establish a smart energy system at the port
Green Energy Vault’s solution helps renewable energy producers optimize production capacity and improve the utilization of electricity when production is high. The current and future companies at the port are large electricity consumers, and they can achieve significant savings, support charging infrastructure for maritime vessels, and reduce their CO2 footprint by using a higher proportion of green electricity. The green power plant will support the ongoing work of optimizing the port’s energy systems and the establishment of a so-called smart energy system.
- With this huge investment, we are getting closer to realizing our goal of making Port of Hirtshals the greenest port in Europe. At the same time, the project supports our major initiative to create a Smart Energy System, where surplus energy is reused in industrial symbioses, at Port of Hirtshals as well as the CCUS project Greenport Scandinavia, says CEO Steen Harding Hintze from the development company Greenport North, which is a catalyst for green transition and growth for existing and new companies at the port.
Hjørring’s Mayor and Vice Chairman of the board of Port of Hirtshals, Søren Smalbro, is also pleased that Port of Hirtshals has secured an agreement with Green Energy Vault.
- In Hjørring Municipality, we have a clear strategy to support the green transition by for example working to ensure that green energy is made available to businesses and residents. Port of Hirtshals plays a central role, as the port can bring together different stakeholders and create synergies through close cooperation between companies. I view the establishment of Green Energy Vault at the port as yet another proof that actions are being taken to follow through on promises, says Søren Smalbro.
Green Energy Vault expects the facility in Hirtshals to be operational at the beginning of 2026.
Facts about the green power plant with energy storage at Port of Hirtshals:
- The green 20 MW power plant with 90 MWh energy storage can supply energy to more than 7,000 households for 24 hours or 3,500 households continuously, as the storage must be regularly replenished with green energy.
- The green power plant, including the energy storage facility, will occupy an area equivalent to two handball courts.
- The facility is expected to be operational at Port of Hirtshals in 2025 and 2026.
