There is great potential in establishing local heating in areas where traditional district heating is not an option. That’s why Sønderborg Varme, in collaboration with Sønderborg Municipality, SONFOR, and ProjectZero, has established a new company, Sønderborg Lokalvarme, which is working to provide a collective, green heating solution in 12 selected villages.

A part of: Change Energy

12

villages explore the possibility of local heating

100 %

CO₂-neutral energy is the aim for the Sønderborg area by 2029

3600

households still need to replace their oil or gas boiler

Local and Climate-Friendly Heating

By 2029, all energy in the Sønderborg area must be CO₂-neutral. A key part of this plan is to phase out all oil and gas boilers and ensure that green heating reaches every resident. For areas where the district heating network does not extend, there is a smart solution — local heating.

Local heating is a collective heating solution designed for villages that are not connected to the existing district heating grid. The method of heat distribution is the same for both local heating and traditional district heating.

In both systems, heat is distributed through a network of pipes that deliver warmth directly to homes. The difference is that local heating is powered by a locally placed heat source, typically a large heat pump that supplies a smaller area.

Initial screenings, carried out by the consultancy firm PlanEnergi, have identified 12 villages with potential for establishing local heating. The selection was based on criteria such as the number of households, their density, and the existing heating sources in the area.

The 12 Villages

  1. Asserballe
  2. Fynshav
  3. Hundslev-Notmark-Almsted
  4. Kværs
  5. Lysabild
  6. Oksbøl-Broballe-Mjels
  7. Skelde
  8. Skodsbøl
  9. Skovby​
  10. Stevning
  11. ​Tandslet
  12. Tørsbøl

Local Support is Key

Sønderborg Lokalvarme, established in January 2024 under Sønderborg Varme, is leading the initiative and supporting the 12 selected local communities with planning and development.

When establishing local heating, local support is crucial. The more residents who back the project, the greater the chance it will become a reality.

Sønderborg Lokalvarme works closely with each community to assess whether local heating is a beneficial solution for their village. The engagement of citizens in the selected villages is therefore essential to the success of the project.

We have created a local heating guide for residents living in one of the 12 villages.