“We improve the power grid with buildings, AI, and street lighting”

In the HiFLEX innovation project, Danish companies, researchers, and public authorities are developing a new control platform for energy flexibility in buildings and municipal infrastructure. The goal is to reduce grid load and facilitate easier integration of green energy.

The ambition is clear for the HiFLEX partners: to move from research to a market-ready product that can be used directly in the Danish and European energy systems.

At the heart of the innovation project is a data-driven, AI-based platform capable of predicting energy consumption and flexibility up to 24 hours ahead. The solution integrates data from buildings, heat pumps, energy storage, and street lighting, which can be intelligently controlled according to the needs of the electricity grid.

The project builds on previous research and demonstration projects, and according to Samira Rahnama, project manager and researcher at Aalborg University and a HiFLEX partner, it is not research for the sake of research, but for delivering solutions.

“We work purposefully with applied research that is translated into solutions with a green impact, as demonstrated in HiFLEX. We simulate, but we also test in real-life conditions,” says Samira Rahnama.

Aalborg University is responsible, among other things, for developing AI-based algorithms that can be directly integrated into existing energy management systems. The technology is expected both to be patented and made available through joint licensing models between the university and participating companies.

Testing across Denmark

The innovation project’s solution is being tested at scale through several pilot projects in Denmark, including in Aarhus city centre, in an industrial area, and in a smaller town. Skanderborg Municipality contributes as a partner by ensuring dialogue and communication of the project’s results to end users. The company SCANGRID provides expertise in aggregator technology, which can act as a link between the electricity market and the physical energy assets of companies and institutions.

“We are the bridge between Energinet’s needs and the equipment that already exists. HiFLEX enables us to set standards so that companies and municipalities can quickly and safely contribute to stabilising the electricity system,” says Carsten Vammen, CEO of SCANGRID.

Monetising flexibility

Together with Aalborg University, SCANGRID is developing an open and easily integrable API structure designed to make it easier for new actors to connect and deliver flexibility – for example through heat pumps, buildings, or street lighting.

“The solution will reduce pressure on the grid and ensure better utilisation of our green electricity.

It enables us and many others to generate revenue from working with flexibility solutions, and in the long term our innovation project also opens up for cities and citizens to benefit financially from providing flexibility—without compromising operational or data security,” says Carsten Vammen.

According to Center Denmark, which provides the digital data infrastructure, HiFLEX is an example of how cross-sector partnerships can accelerate the transition.

“HiFLEX brings together research, companies, and infrastructure into one coherent solution. These are the kinds of projects needed if we are to turn data and digitalisation into real system value in the energy sector. We are proud of the collaboration that improves the electricity grid with buildings, AI, and street lighting,” says Søren Skov Bording, CEO of Center Denmark.

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Geothermal energy is, in short, about extracting heat from beneath the ground through a fully closed-loop system that can be used directly in district heating – without the use of heat pumps. It is a technology with the potential to become an important part of the future heat supply, because the heat is local, stable and independent of wind and weather.

The new licence from the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities makes it possible to continue work on a demonstration facility that will show how a new type of geothermal technology can deliver local heat to the district heating system and thereby help relieve pressure on the electricity grid.

Minister: Geothermal energy is a good, green solution

At the same time, the project has received clear support from Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Samira Nawa, who, in connection with the licence, highlights geothermal energy as part of the green transition:

“As we phase out fossil energy, the green solutions must be ready to take over. That is why I am pleased that we can now move forward with geothermal energy in Aalborg – a good, green solution,” says Samira Nawa on the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities’ social media channels.

“The licence is a major milestone for Heat4Ever. At the same time, it is very encouraging to see a clear political interest in geothermal energy. This is important for the project, but also for geothermal energy more generally, because it sends a strong signal that the technology can play a real role in the stable, local and renewable heat supply of the future. That is exactly why we developed Heat4Ever: because we believe geothermal heat can be used in far more places than today,” says Jørgen Peter Rasmussen, CEO and founder of Green Therma.

Closed-loop system can make geothermal energy relevant in more places

The project differs from traditional geothermal energy by using a closed-loop pipe system. While traditional geothermal energy typically uses hot groundwater from beneath the ground, Heat4Ever circulates heat in a closed system. This makes the technology less dependent on natural water reservoirs and specific geological conditions – and can therefore make geothermal heat relevant in more locations.

The demonstration project is being carried out in Aalborg in collaboration with, among others, Aalborg Forsyning, GEUS, Aalborg University and Aarhus University, and is facilitated by Energy Cluster Denmark. Aalborg Forsyning has entered into a 30-year agreement to offtake the heat from the facility.

Heat4Ever has a total budget of DKK 133 million and has received DKK 84 million in funding from EUDP.

07.01.26Ministerial support and new licence pave the way for local heat from beneath the ground in Aalborg

The ambition is clear for the HiFLEX partners: to move from research to a market-ready product that can be used directly in the Danish and European energy systems.

Testing across Denmark

Monetising flexibility

“The solution will reduce pressure on the grid and ensure better utilisation of our green electricity.

According to Center Denmark, which provides the digital data infrastructure, HiFLEX is an example of how cross-sector partnerships can accelerate the transition.

06.26.26“We improve the power grid with buildings, AI, and street lighting”

Used EV batteries may soon take on a new role in stores: as energy storage, backup power and flexibility for an energy system in transition. That is the ambition behind the innovation project ReStoreBESS.

The project is led by Gridturn in collaboration with Salling Group, Andel Energi, Converdan and AAU Energy, and facilitated by Energy Cluster Denmark. The project is supported by EUDP.

The solution will be tested in a Salling Group store, where it will combine intelligent control, backup power and grid support in one integrated platform.

Unlocking the remaining value in used EV batteries

For Gridturn, the key point is that the batteries should not only be reused. They should be used intelligently.

“We develop battery systems made from used EV batteries that can both optimise daily operations and provide backup power if the electricity goes out. This is exactly the kind of solution we need right now: something resilient, green and more intelligent,” says Louise Witt Sengeløv, CEO of Gridturn.

In the project, used EV batteries that are no longer attractive for driving are given a new purpose, as they still hold significant value as stationary energy storage. The batteries are installed in cabinets and connected to solar panels and intelligent control systems, enabling them to charge and discharge at the right times. This will create value in daily operations and make stores less vulnerable if the power supply fails.

“If we think of critical infrastructure as places where power cannot be gone for very long, this solution makes a lot of sense. The system can optimise daily operations and switch to backup when needed,” says Louise Witt Sengeløv.

Cooling and freezing as critical store functions

Stores are an obvious place to demonstrate the technology. They have high energy consumption, local solar production in many cases, and critical functions such as cooling and freezing, which cannot tolerate longer power outages.

“Security of supply is on everyone’s agenda, and that is why it makes perfect sense for Salling Group to take part in ReStoreBESS. We see this as a project where we can learn from the technology in operation and test the potential for scaling, safety and robustness,” says Martin Brix Kortegaard, Senior Energy & Sustainability Manager at Salling Group.

For Salling Group, the perspective goes beyond the test store itself. If the solution works in practice, it could become relevant on a much larger scale in the future.

“For us, this is not only about a traditional business case. It is also about supporting green technology and ensuring that our stores become less vulnerable to short-term power outages, which we must expect to see more of,” says Martin Brix Kortegaard from Salling Group.

Energy should not only be green - it should also be secure

At the same time, the ambition is that the batteries should not only support the store, but also the wider energy system. By charging and discharging intelligently, the batteries can make better use of local solar power, relieve pressure on the electricity grid and, in the long term, contribute flexibility when the energy system needs it.

“The ideal situation is that the customer experiences a battery that supports everyday operations, while also making it possible to contribute when the energy system needs support,” says Jack Kristensen, Head of Flexibility at Andel Energi. He points out that the energy debate has changed significantly.

“Energy is no longer only about being green. It also has to be secure, and it has to remain affordable over time. This is exactly the intersection that the project addresses,” says Jack Kristensen. He adds that the project also builds on an existing collaboration between Andel Energi and Gridturn.

“We see a strong commitment to developing new solutions that are both innovative and make sense in a circular economy. At the same time, as an established company, we can help bring new solutions to the market,” says Jack Kristensen.

In the bigger picture, the project may point to a new direction for stores and other commercial sites: reduced vulnerability, better use of green electricity and a more flexible electricity grid. All with used EV batteries as part of the solution.

Learn more about the project here.

06.10.26Used EV Batteries to Secure Critical Store Operations and Support the Electricity Grid

Two new representatives of small and medium-sized energy companies in Denmark have just been elected to Energy Cluster Denmark’s board. This took place at the cluster’s general assembly on 13 May 2026 in Aalborg.

The new board members are the offshore company CSK Group and regaco, which provides refueling and upgrading of biogas.

The two companies join a board that represents the entire value chain of the Danish energy sector for innovation, and the chair of the energy cluster’s board, Bo Svoldgaard, looks forward to collaborating on innovation – with both new and familiar faces.

“In a time when global alliances and the climate agenda are under pressure, it is extremely positive to see the Danish energy cluster standing together, and that the board supports our sector’s shared commitment to advancing green innovation,” says Bo Svoldgaard:

“We need to launch even more strong innovation projects to ensure an energy system that is both green and resilient. I look forward to strengthening these efforts together with the energy cluster’s board – and the two new members, whom we are excited to welcome into the boardroom,” he adds.

Meet the New Board Members of Energy Cluster Denmark

Søren Hvorslev, Co-founder & Operations, CSK Group

Why take on a board position?
“I want to make a positive difference for smaller companies among the energy cluster’s members, and as a long-time member, I believe I have seen most aspects of the challenges and opportunities smaller companies encounter in innovation projects.”

What will you work for?
“Small and medium-sized enterprises can struggle to gain access when it comes to innovation, but we represent a large segment of the industry and the overall membership. Therefore, I want to work to expand and strengthen collaboration between smaller companies and major industrial players, as well as with research institutions such as our universities.”

“I know both sides of the table – from large and smaller companies – and I also serve on the energy cluster’s Advisory Board for SMEs. I now look forward to contributing to the board’s work on innovation and the development of even better offerings for all members through Energy Cluster Denmark.”

Jacob Himmelstrup, Strategic Business Development, regaco A/S

Why take on a board position?
“I have always been active in the industry – most recently in the SME committee at the Confederation of Danish Industry and now on the energy cluster’s board. Much of the conversation focuses on large corporations, but small and medium-sized enterprises are by far the most numerous. There is real value to unlock here, and we are crucial to the energy sector.”

What will you work for?
“Energy Cluster Denmark can do a lot for those who are not yet involved. For example, how can we connect our companies with universities or GTS institutes? That is a question I can help answer through my network and my understanding of the dynamics in the energy sector. At the same time, I believe it is valuable for non-members to hear about these opportunities from someone like me, who understands the practical realities of smaller companies. I’m happy to ask them why they are not yet involved – we need to bring even more strong competencies from SMEs into the fold.”

“As an actor in the biogas sector, I also want to contribute to increased sector coupling – from our part of the industry and across the wider energy system. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is one focus area, as are pyrolysis and Power-to-X. How can we do more to ensure that the energy cluster delivers greater impact for the entire industry? That is something I want to work towards.”

Energy Cluster Denmark Board, May 2026
At the energy cluster’s general assembly in Aalborg on 13 May, a new board was constituted, with several members continuing and two new members elected.