Photo: Henrik Pyndt Sørensen

Copenhagen district heating tunnel 

In October 2004, the Copenhagen Municipality decided to move production of heat from two old production plants to a new facility on the Amagerværket plant. As a result of this decision, it was necessary to construct a deep tunnel linking the new production facility to the existing distribution network.

COWI is doing the detailed design of all permanent structures for Copenhagen's new district heating tunnel.

It is also preparing tender documents for the tunnel and shaft installations and assisting the client, KE Varme A/S, with their in-house design of the pipes with specialist services.

Annual savings

COWI is in charge of supervising the works, as well as various technical follow-up and assistance for the client regarding environmental issues, authority contacts, etc.

The new, more fuel-flexible facility is estimated to give an annual saving of around DKK 50 million.

Photo: COWI


Partnership group

From the very start it was the plan to carry out the project under a partnering agreement, where the contractor's alternatives, good ideas etc. would be discussed in the negotiation phase and, if agreed, taken on board.

KFT JV - a joint venture formed by the Danish contractor MTH A/S and the German contractor Hochtief AG  - was appointed to construct the tunnel and shafts. KFT JV joined KE Varme and COWI in a partnership group. This group will be extended by a pipe contractor, due to be appointed in early 2007.

January 2009

The first stretch of the tunnel from Amagerværket to Adelgade will be brought into operation in January 2009. The second stretch follows in April 2009.

Total cost of the project is expected to be DKK 750 million (2004 prices), of which the tunnel shaft contract plus design and estimated unforeseen costs cover two thirds.