VisBlue Optimizes Frederikshavn Boligforening's Energy Renovation of Koktved with Eco-Friendly Flow Battery

Frederikshavn Boligforening’s Koktved department is undergoing a comprehensive renovation to future-proof its 102 apartments. As part of this project, various energy-efficient initiatives have been implemented to reduce energy consumption and promote greener living. The latest addition is a 20 kW flow battery with 200 kWh capacity from the Aarhus-based scale-up, VisBlue.

Frederikshavn Boligforening is well-versed in energy-saving measures but had limited experience with sustainability when the groundwork for the Koktved sustainable energy renovation project was laid back in 2020. However, Development Manager Brian Thomsen is determined to change that:

"We are champions in energy savings, and we aim to be champions in sustainability too," says Brian Thomsen, Development Manager, Frederikshavn Boligforening.

With support from Realdania’s "Together for Sustainable Construction" initiative, the project has set ambitious goals in social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Energy optimization with solar battery

One key focus is energy optimization using flow batteries in combination with solar panels. This approach holds significant potential for energy and environmental savings.

The problem: Without energy storage, surplus solar energy is sent back to the grid within an hour of production.

"This is a problem," Thomsen explains. "Tenants are typically at work during the daytime when the solar panels generate energy, so without a battery, they miss out on the savings from their investment."

The solution: The flow battery resolves this by storing the self-produced, green, and cost-free electricity for tenants to use when they are home—morning, afternoon, and evening—times when electricity grid prices are typically at their peak.

Annual energy savings: 32,000 kWh
Annual CO2 savings: 10 tons

VisBlue is thrilled to see Frederikshavn Boligforening embrace energy storage as an integral part of its transition to renewable energy.

"Decentralized energy storage is essential for ensuring an efficient and successful shift to renewable energy," says Søren Bødker, co-founder and CEO of VisBlue and explains:

"Unlike fossil fuels, we cannot control when or how much the sun shines or the wind blows. That’s why we need storage solutions to save energy for use during times of low production or high grid prices."

Flow batteries: A climate- and eco-friendly choice

There are various types of batteries for energy storage. This Danish-produced battery from Aarhus-based VisBlue is a vanadium redox flow battery, a technology with several advantages that make it ideal for the sustainable renovation project in Koktved.

"Flow batteries have a significantly lower environmental impact than other battery types, making them an excellent choice for initiatives like ZERO housing associations aiming to operate energy-neutral housing," says Brian Thomsen.

Social sustainability: First and foremost, the battery is safe. It cannot burn or explode, eliminating the need for additional funds to construct battery sheds, as it can simply be placed in a basement or similar space.

Economic sustainability: Furthermore, VisBlue’s flow batteries have a lifespan of at least 20 years/20,000 charge cycles, more than double the lifespan of other battery technologies on the market. This makes the battery system a perfect complement to the lifespan of a solar panel installation.

Environmental sustainability: And it doesn’t stop there. From an environmental perspective, VisBlue’s batteries also stand out from other types on the market. In this comparison, it is crucial to distinguish between climate and environment. While any battery type on the market can achieve a climate goal, most fall short when it comes to environmental impact. This is not the case for VisBlue’s batteries, where a green DNA is evident throughout—from the extraction of raw materials to disposal and recycling at the battery's end-of-life.

Contact information

Mia Voldum
Head of Marketing, Communications & Press
+45 2723 0612
mvo@visblue.com

About VisBlue

VisBlue is committed to creating a balanced world through a stable and green electricity grid.

We are a trusted partner in energy storage solutions, with a track record of over 150 installed flow batteries across Denmark, Portugal, Norway, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Through our flow batteries, we enable our customers to store energy for later use, thereby increasing the utilization of energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and water.

Our batteries use proven vanadium redox flow technology to store energy in a water-based solution, characterized by its non-degradable, non-flammable, and low-risk properties. With a recycling rate of 99% and a lifespan exceeding 20 years, VisBlue's flow batteries are a sustainable, safe, and long-lasting alternative to conventional battery types on the market. Additionally, they are scalable, meaning the battery's power and capacity can be customized to meet the unique needs of each customer.

VisBlue’s current customers include municipalities (schools, sports halls, nursing homes), housing associations, independent institutions, industrial companies, and cultural and recreational institutions. These customers use our battery solutions to balance their energy consumption in a sustainable way—economically, socially, and environmentally.

About Frederikshavn Boligforening, department 6, Koktved

Frederikshavn Boligforening, department 6, Koktved, is undergoing a major renovation from 2023 to 2025. All apartments will be upgraded with new kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and balconies, new flooring, and renovated walls and ceilings. Additionally, new roofing and facades will be installed, and elevators will be added to Finnsvej 50, 52, 58, 60, and 62.

The department features beautiful, spacious green areas with plenty of space for outdoor activities. It is centrally located near grocery stores, schools, and institutions. Residents are responsible for supplying and installing their own refrigerators/freezers.

The department has its own website, maintained by the residents' committee: www.koktved.dk. Visit the website to learn about activities for residents.

You can apply for housing subsidies and deposit loans through the municipality for this type of housing. For additional questions about the apartments, please contact Frederikshavn Boligforening by phone or email.

This press release has been translated by Energy Cluster Denmark.

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The name change reflects their ambition to deliver innovative and value-creating solutions across the energy industry while building on years of expertise in the offshore sector.

“With the new name, Valtor Energy A/S, we signal our dedication to address future challenges in the energy industry. We will continue to focus on our core business while developing sustainable solutions that meet the growing demands of the energy sector,” says Martin Schneider, CEO of Valtor Energy A/S.

As part of this strategic shift, Hardy Jeremiassen has joined as Head of Sales and Business Development. His extensive experience and industry knowledge are expected to drive the company’s ambitious growth plans.

“With an emphasis on larger and more complex projects, as well as sustainable solutions, we aim to achieve significant growth within a few years,” states Hardy Jeremiassen, Head of Sales and Business Development at Valtor Energy A/S.

In conjunction with the rebranding, Valtor Energy A/S has unveiled a new logo representing the company’s four key focus areas: fossil energy, renewable energy, CO₂ management, and Power-to-X. The logo is shared with its sister company, Armatec, underscoring their close collaboration and shared vision of innovation and sustainability.

“The new name and logo are more than just cosmetic changes – they represent our strategic direction. We will continue to be a strong partner for our customers and strengthen our position in both the national and global markets,” adds Martin Schneider.

The press release has been translated by Energy Cluster Denmark.

12.09.24Valtor Offshore Transforms into Valtor Energy A/S – New Name, New Strategy, and a Strong Focus on Future Challenges in the Energy Industry

The expanded cooperation will leverage Solydera’s advanced Solid Oxide Electrolysis technologies and Dynelectro’s expertise in industrial applications to develop innovative, efficient and scalable solutions to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support the production of green hydrogen and ammonia, essential components in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

As part of the Collaboration Agreement, SolydEra will serve as a solid oxide stack and technology provider to Dynelectro. A comprehensive framework will leverage the companies’ expertise, strengths and resources that will enable the partners to drive forward groundbreaking innovation and deliver exceptional solutions to their stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to solidify our partnership with Dynelectro,” says Alexander Liberov, CEO of SolydEra. “This agreement not only underscores our commitment to innovation but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements. This co-creation is already seeing incredible results if we think that in less than one year a 1-MW dynamic electrolyser unit delivering up to 30 kg/hr of hydrogen will be delivered to the Danish company European Energy that will be producing green hydrogen by splitting water using the electricity generated in their wind farm.”

“This represents the culmination of four years of collaboration and shared innovation between our teams,” explains Sune Lilbæk, CEO of Dynelectro. “By combining our expertise in high-efficiency electrolysis with SolydEra’s robust stack technology, we are poised to deliver a scalable solution for affordable hydrogen, a critical feedstock in aviation, transportation and petro-chemical industries. This is a significant step forward in meeting the growing market demand for clean energy solutions across industries.”

About SolydEra

SolydEra is a key world player in the market of Solid Oxide Cells, Stacks and Solutions, with the largest annual production capacity in Europe. Its Solid Oxide Technology has a proven track record and delivers best in class performance and durability in both fuel cell and electrolysis mode. The company has research & development and industrial manufacturing facilities in Italy, Switzerland and Australia. Its headquarters is in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy.

About Dynelectro

Dynelectro is a Danish SOE electrolyser OEM at the forefront of developing advanced, sustainable energy solutions. Utilising cutting-edge solid-oxide electrolysis technology, Dynelectro achieves unprecedented system performance and lifespan, enabling a five-fold improvement in lifetime performance through a novel approach to stack control and integration. Their innovations enable operators to seamlessly adjust production based on the availability of cost-effective renewable energy. The company commercialises MW-scale Dynamic Electrolyser Units (DEUs), producing clean hydrogen to unlock syngas and e-fuel production. Dynelectro was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in the capital region of Denmark.

Media Contacts

SolydEra: Francesca Gaviraghi
+39 0461 1755092

Dynelectro: Samantha Phillips
+45 4279 7447

11.22.24SolydEra and Dynelectro Formalise a Strategic Partnership for 1 MW Solid Oxide Electrolyser Delivery

In day-to-day operations, the focus is often on daily tasks such as production, sales and finances, leaving little room to prioritize occupational health and safety. Tasks like completing the legally required workplace assessment (WEA) can be difficult to find time for. And who even has the latest knowledge about the applicable rules in this area?

"We completely understand why it can be difficult to prioritize occupational health and safety. It’s a task that typically isn’t part of daily operations, and in many workplaces, no one wants to take on the ‘Occupational Health and Safety’ hat,” says Frederik Stockholm Madsen, occupational health and safety advisor at ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten.

Coordinator, secretariat and expert in one solution

Just as bookkeeping or marketing can be handled by a part-time bookkeeper or freelancer, the legally required work on a company’s occupational health and safety can also be managed by an external specialist. The fact that it is a mandatory task—a must-do—makes this outsourcing model an attractive solution.

“When we take on a company’s occupational health and safety tasks, we serve as coordinator, secretariat and expert all in one. Essentially, all the company needs to do is attend the meetings they help schedule. There is no fixed format for how this is structured. An outsourcing agreement is tailored to the company’s needs and, of course, aligned with current legislation,” Frederik explains.

The daily grind can lead to blind spots

In addition to ensuring that mandatory tasks are handled, outsourcing agreements bring the added benefit of an external advisor’s fresh perspective. This allows them to identify safety issues that may have become part of the routine for management and employees.

“We all know how easy it is to overlook things, like poorly placed equipment, because they’ve become part of the everyday environment. No one questions them anymore. When I visit a company, I make it a priority to walk around and observe with fresh eyes. We discuss potential safety risks that we can address together. I don’t view it as testing the company, but as a collaborative effort to improve employee safety, which ultimately benefits the company’s bottom line,” Frederik concludes.

Want to know more about outsourcing occupational health and safety tasks? Contact ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten at 8236 3670 or visit ameksperten.dk.

The press release has been translated by Energy Cluster Denmark.

10.24.24 Working with Occupational Health and Safety Can Be Both Easy and Secure

It is now well-established that an increasing number of Danes struggle with mental health issues. Unfortunately, mental disorders, stress, and poor social relationships are also becoming prevalent in the workplace, creating challenging conditions for many in their daily lives.

With the concept of Denmark’s Mental Health Day, Velliv Foreningen has, for several years, provided funding to enable companies to host health-promoting activities for their employees. This year, several businesses invited consultants from ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten to deliver inspirational presentations.

"This year, we’ve covered many topics such as job satisfaction – how to cultivate and nurture it, team-building, constructive communication, and conflict management. Our consultants have discussed handling changes, creating positive transformation processes, preventing and managing stress, and reducing absenteeism," says Solveig Dohrmann, project coordinator at ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten, who planned all activities for this year’s Mental Health Day.

Apply for grants year-round

Improving mental health often requires significant effort and long-term initiatives. Therefore, Velliv Foreningen also offers funding for projects outside of week 41.

If your workplace, industry, or region wants to focus on mental health at other times of the year, you can apply for support for research, analyses, or innovative initiatives across various sectors.

"At ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten, we advise businesses nationwide that are committed to making a difference in psychological workplace environments. In collaboration, we develop projects that can foster change and potentially enhance mental health. For instance, in April, we partnered with a company to apply for a project on developing a well-being policy. Velliv Foreningen approved the project in August, and we’ll be working to produce and implement this policy through March 2025," says Bent Würsching, COO and Executive Partner at ARBEJDSMILJØEksperten.

Applications for funding can be submitted three times a year – in January, April, and August. For individual companies, the maximum grant amount is 250,000 DKK, while there are no financial limits for industry-wide or regional applications.

How to take the first steps towards better mental health

According to project coordinator Solveig Dohrmann, getting started is easy. All it takes is a willingness to make a difference and initiate the first dialogue.

"Consider and discuss potential challenges such as conflicts, collaboration issues, or strengthening the organization, perhaps by drafting a well-being policy. It’s often useful to draw from recent workplace assessments, employee satisfaction surveys, or other discussions by the company’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee. This can provide a solid foundation for a project funding application. From these starting points, we can develop a relevant project and application," she concludes.

For more information about funding opportunities, visit vellivforeningen.dk.

FACTS:

Denmark’s Mental Health Day is inspired by WHO’s World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10. In conjunction with Denmark’s Mental Health Day, all Danish workplaces can apply for a 10,000 DKK grant from Velliv Foreningen.

In 2023, a record 1,868 companies applied for support, of which 1,164 were awarded grants for their events.

The press release has been translated by Energy Cluster Denmark.

10.10.24Mental Health Takes Center Stage in October