17 partners with an international outlook Kalundborg's global private companies collaborate with local businesses and authorities across sectors and employ around 5,000 people

Streams_WEB_EN_WONumbers_05
1

1 DAMP

Along the roads in Kalundborg's industrial area run
large green pipes that transport steam
from Asnæs Power Station to several companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis.
The green pipes have become the symbol of the industrial symbiosis
and the most visible sign that symbiosis companies are connected.
Previously, Asnæs Power Station had an overcapacity of steam
as part of the electricity production.
Over time, steam for the Kalundborg Symbiosis has become a main product
and electricity a by-product. At Novozymes and Novo Nordisk, the steam
is used for many different purposes, including cleaning, sterilization and distillation.

 

1

1 STEAM

Along the roads, within the industrial area of Kalundborg, 
big green pipes transports steam from Asnæs Power Station 
to several partners of the Kalundborg Symbiosis. 
As the most visible sign of the connection between companies, 
the green pipes have become the symbol of the industrial symbiosis. 
Previously, Asnæs Power Station had an overcapacity of steam 
from their producttion of electricity. Over time, steam has become 
the main product and electricity the byproduct. Along with this, 
production of steam has shifted from coal to biomass.
At Novozymes and Novo Nordisk, the steam is used 
for a variety of purposes, including cleaning, sterilization and distillation.

1

1 STEAM

Along the roads, within the industrial area of Kalundborg, 
big green pipes transports steam from Asnæs Power Station 
to several partners of the Kalundborg Symbiosis. 
As the most visible sign of the connection between companies, 
the green pipes have become the symbol of the industrial symbiosis. 
Previously, Asnæs Power Station had an overcapacity of steam 
from their producttion of electricity. Over time, steam has become 
the main product and electricity the byproduct. Along with this, 
production of steam has shifted from coal to biomass.
At Novozymes and Novo Nordisk, the steam is used 
for a variety of purposes, including cleaning, sterilization and distillation.

1

1 STEAM

Along the roads, within the industrial area of Kalundborg, 
big green pipes transports steam from Asnæs Power Station 
to several partners of the Kalundborg Symbiosis. 
As the most visible sign of the connection between companies, 
the green pipes have become the symbol of the industrial symbiosis. 
Previously, Asnæs Power Station had an overcapacity of steam 
from their producttion of electricity. Over time, steam has become 
the main product and electricity the byproduct. Along with this, 
production of steam has shifted from coal to biomass.
At Novozymes and Novo Nordisk, the steam is used 
for a variety of purposes, including cleaning, sterilization and distillation.

2

2 POWER TO THE GRID

At Asnæs Power Station, green electricity is 
produced using the steam that powers a turbine, 
which then generates electricity for the electricity grid.
Novozymes produces biogas from the process wastewater
 that contains relative high amounts of organic material 
from the production at Novozymes and Novo Nordisk. 
Biogas feeds a large engine that delivers 11,000 MWh per year. 
This corresponds to the consumption of 
approximately 2,500 Danish households. The surplus heat 
from the large gas engine is also used internally 
for heating of the factory area.
This way the use of fossil fuels for both electricity and heat 
production are replaced by suspended organic waste material 
from local production.

2

2 POWER TO THE GRID

At Asnæs Power Station, green electricity is 
produced using the steam that powers a turbine, 
which then generates electricity for the electricity grid.
Novozymes produces biogas from the process wastewater
 that contains relative high amounts of organic material 
from the production at Novozymes and Novo Nordisk. 
Biogas feeds a large engine that delivers 11,000 MWh per year. 
This corresponds to the consumption of 
approximately 2,500 Danish households. The surplus heat 
from the large gas engine is also used internally 
for heating of the factory area.
This way the use of fossil fuels for both electricity and heat 
production are replaced by suspended organic waste material 
from local production.

3

3 HOT CONDENSATE

Steam condensate is captured from production
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes through
steam traps from a higher to a lower pressure.
The condensate contains both heat
which can be converted into energy, and water
both of which are valuable in the production processes.
For certain purposes, the steam received from Ørsted
is too hot, so steam condensate is used to
temperature regulate the superheated steam.
This brings the temperature down to 200 degrees
and reduces the steam pressure to 14 bar
(hereafter referred to as "saturated steam"). The excess,
hot condensate is utilized by extracting the heat
to heat central heating and hot process water.
The now cold condensate is used in Novozymes for mixing
lye and acid, and both Novo Nordisk and Novozymes use
the condensate as a supplement to surface water in cooling towers,
thus "saving" on the consumption of surface water from Tissø.

 

3

3 HOT CONDENSATE

Steam condensate is captured from production
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes through
steam traps from a higher to a lower pressure.
The condensate contains both heat
which can be converted into energy, and water
both of which are valuable in the production processes.
For certain purposes, the steam received from Ørsted
is too hot, so steam condensate is used to
temperature regulate the superheated steam.
This brings the temperature down to 200 degrees
and reduces the steam pressure to 14 bar
(hereafter referred to as "saturated steam"). The excess,
hot condensate is utilized by extracting the heat
to heat central heating and hot process water.
The now cold condensate is used in Novozymes for mixing
lye and acid, and both Novo Nordisk and Novozymes use
the condensate as a supplement to surface water in cooling towers,
thus "saving" on the consumption of surface water from Tissø.

 

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

4

4 DISTRICT HEATING

At Asnæs Power Station, district heating 
is produced from which electricity production 
is a by-product. District heating is produced 
corresponding to heating of 24,000 households. 
District heating is supplied to Kalundborg Utility, 
which distributes it to citizens and businesses in the local area. 
The Kalundborg Utility's heat pump provides the city's citizens 
with additional heat during the coldest months 
and when electricity prices are low.

Companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novozymes 
utilize parts of the surplus heat generated in 
their own production. The utilization of surplus heat 
takes place locally at the site and means that less resources 
are used to produce heat.

5

5 BIOMETHANE

At Kalundborg Bioenergy, residues from 
insulin and enzyme production generated 
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, are subsequently 
upgraded to biomethane equivalent to natural gas quality. 
The biomethane is distributed via the natural gas grid 
to Kalundborg Refinery and other end consumers. 
Kalundborg Bioenergy produces both for the local natural 
gas grid (4 bar) and for the national natural gas grid (19 bar). 
The upgrading process removes hydrogen sulphite 
and carbon dioxide, while returning sulphur from 
the hydrogen sulphite to the degassed residual biomass 
as an enrichment of the biogas plant's fertiliser products. 

5

5 BIOMETHANE

At Kalundborg Bioenergy, residues from 
insulin and enzyme production generated 
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, are subsequently 
upgraded to biomethane equivalent to natural gas quality. 
The biomethane is distributed via the natural gas grid 
to Kalundborg Refinery and other end consumers. 
Kalundborg Bioenergy produces both for the local natural 
gas grid (4 bar) and for the national natural gas grid (19 bar). 
The upgrading process removes hydrogen sulphite 
and carbon dioxide, while returning sulphur from 
the hydrogen sulphite to the degassed residual biomass 
as an enrichment of the biogas plant's fertiliser products. 

5

5 BIOMETHANE

At Kalundborg Bioenergy, residues from 
insulin and enzyme production generated 
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, are subsequently 
upgraded to biomethane equivalent to natural gas quality. 
The biomethane is distributed via the natural gas grid 
to Kalundborg Refinery and other end consumers. 
Kalundborg Bioenergy produces both for the local natural 
gas grid (4 bar) and for the national natural gas grid (19 bar). 
The upgrading process removes hydrogen sulphite 
and carbon dioxide, while returning sulphur from 
the hydrogen sulphite to the degassed residual biomass 
as an enrichment of the biogas plant's fertiliser products. 

5

5 BIOMETHANE

At Kalundborg Bioenergy, residues from 
insulin and enzyme production generated 
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, are subsequently 
upgraded to biomethane equivalent to natural gas quality. 
The biomethane is distributed via the natural gas grid 
to Kalundborg Refinery and other end consumers. 
Kalundborg Bioenergy produces both for the local natural 
gas grid (4 bar) and for the national natural gas grid (19 bar). 
The upgrading process removes hydrogen sulphite 
and carbon dioxide, while returning sulphur from 
the hydrogen sulphite to the degassed residual biomass 
as an enrichment of the biogas plant's fertiliser products. 

5

5 BIOMETHANE

At Kalundborg Bioenergy, residues from 
insulin and enzyme production generated 
at Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, are subsequently 
upgraded to biomethane equivalent to natural gas quality. 
The biomethane is distributed via the natural gas grid 
to Kalundborg Refinery and other end consumers. 
Kalundborg Bioenergy produces both for the local natural 
gas grid (4 bar) and for the national natural gas grid (19 bar). 
The upgrading process removes hydrogen sulphite 
and carbon dioxide, while returning sulphur from 
the hydrogen sulphite to the degassed residual biomass 
as an enrichment of the biogas plant's fertiliser products. 

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

6

6 WASTEWATER

Kalundborg Utility is responsible for the final treatment 
of the wastewater from the companies in the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
but before that, several of the partners have pre- treated it themselves, 
in order to comply with legal requirements. Some types of wastewater 
run in separate pipes, to allowing for an optimized treatment 
and minimized energy consumptin.
The treated wastewater from the Kalundborg Utility is then passed 
through a heat exchanger at the heat pump utility, which can 
produce approx. 80,000 MWh per year, covering more than 
30% of Kalundborg Utility's annual purchase of district heating.

7

7 CLEANED/ PURIFIED WASTEWATER

The Novozymes Wastewater and Biogas plant is 
where the first phase of the treatment of the process 
wastewater from the production in Novozymes 
and Novo Nordisk happens. From this, the gasified water 
is led to the final treatment at Kalundborg Utility. 
Both treatments benefit from the fact that wastewater 
from Novozymes and Novo Nordisk always is 
around 35 degrees Celcius. This, because bacteria 
can operate faster and more efficient at this temperature
 and with a lower energy consumption. 

8

8 SURFACE WATER

In the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø are used annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water flows in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

8

8 SURFACE WATER

In the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø are used annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water flows in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

8

8 SURFACE WATER

In the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø are used annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water flows in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

8

8 SURFACE WATER IN The Kalundborg Symbiosis uses 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water runs in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

8

8 SURFACE WATER

In the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø are used annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water flows in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

8

8 SURFACE WATER

In the Kalundborg Symbiosis, 3.5 million
cubic metres of surface water from Tissø are used annually instead of drinking water
from groundwater reservoirs. The surface water flows in a 13
kilometre long pipeline from Tissø to Kalundborg Forsyning,
which distributes the water to the companies. The surface water
is used for cooling in production and for process water in industry.

9

9 USED COOLING WATER

Used cooling water is a residual from 
Kalundborg Refinery, and is by origin surface water 
from Lake Tissø, that has been used for cooling in 
a closed pipe system at the refinery. The water is sent back 
to Ørsted for steam production at Asnæs Power Plant. 
The used cooling water has a higher temperature than 
surface water from Lake Tissø, resulting in a lower 
energy consumption when converting it into steam.

10

10 DEIONAT

When Ørsted produces electricity, the generators 
are powered by steam turbines, requiring 
that the steam in this case is made of 
deionized water (make-up-water). 
It is also known as demineralized water, 
as all minerals and salts has been removed 
to avoid breaking internal parts of the steam turbines, 
boilers, as well as the heating pipes.
Ørsted also supplies deionized water for Kalundborg 
Refinery's own production of steam, 
which is based on the residual heat from the refinery.

10

10 DEIONAT

When Ørsted produces electricity, the generators 
are powered by steam turbines, requiring 
that the steam in this case is made of 
deionized water (make-up-water). 
It is also known as demineralized water, 
as all minerals and salts has been removed 
to avoid breaking internal parts of the steam turbines, 
boilers, as well as the heating pipes.
Ørsted also supplies deionized water for Kalundborg 
Refinery's own production of steam, 
which is based on the residual heat from the refinery.

11

11 CLEANED SURFACE WATER

Out of the more than 3.5 million cubic meters 
of surface water recovered from Lake Tissø 
and used in Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
more than 1.5 million cubic meters is cleaned 
to drinking water quality. It all ends up at Novozymes, 
where the cleaned surface water is used directly in 
their production of industrial enzymes. 
This saves drinking water and conserves groundwater reserves. 

11

11 CLEANED SURFACE WATER

Out of the more than 3.5 million cubic meters 
of surface water recovered from Lake Tissø 
and used in Kalundborg Symbiosis, 
more than 1.5 million cubic meters is cleaned 
to drinking water quality. It all ends up at Novozymes, 
where the cleaned surface water is used directly in 
their production of industrial enzymes. 
This saves drinking water and conserves groundwater reserves. 

12

12 MAKE-UP-WATER

At the Asnæs Power Plant water is released 
when firering with wood chips. Asnæs Power Plant 
cannot use the approximately 65 million litres 
of flue gas condensate itself, but the neighbouring 
company, Kalundborg Refinery, can. 
Once the condensate has been treated via osmosis 
and ion exchange, via pipes the clean water is directed 
to the refinery. Here the purified water can be used 
as boiler water covering about 1/3 of the needs 
at Kalundborg Refinery. Without this agreement, 
the refinery would have to use and further process 
surface water from Lake Tissø to reach the necessary quality.

13

13 WASTE

ARGO receives various fractions of waste 
from all citizens and businesses in 
Kalundborg Municipality, including Kalundborg Utility.
The recyclable waste is sorted into fractions 
and subsequently passed on to the recycling industry. 
From this, a much reduced waste fraction is energy-utilized 
for electricity and heat production at Roskilde Kraftvarmeværk (ARGO).

13

13 WASTE

ARGO receives various fractions of waste 
from all citizens and businesses in 
Kalundborg Municipality, including Kalundborg Utility.
The recyclable waste is sorted into fractions 
and subsequently passed on to the recycling industry. 
From this, a much reduced waste fraction is energy-utilized 
for electricity and heat production at Roskilde Kraftvarmeværk (ARGO).

14

14 SULPHUR

Kalundborg Refining removes sulphur from 
the oil and converts the sulfur into the fertilizer 
component ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) that boost 
the growth of plants. 
The sulphur has become a valuable resource 
sold to the large fertilizer companies in Denmark.
ATS is a liquid fertilizer, making it easier for the farmers 
to dose the amount of fertilizer more efficiently. 
ATS causes the plants to absorb the sulphur and other 
nutrients better, which leads to less evaporation of nitrogen. 

15

15 YEAST SLURRY

Novo Nordisk produces active pharmaceutical ingredients 
through a fermentation process, where yeast cells grow 
primarily on sugar and vitamins. When the fermentation process 
is finalized, and the active pharmaceutical ingredients 
are fractionated out, a nutritional mixture called yeast slurry is retained. 
This yeast slurry is sent to the biogas plant Kalundborg Bioenergy for gasification. 
Through gasification and after upgrading the produced biogas, 
the yeast slurry is converted to biomethan and fertilizers.

16

16 SAND

The Kalundborg Utility treats the wastewater from households 
and companies and as a result collects a large amount of sand 
from the wastewater in their sand trap. The sand consists of 
different sizes of pebbles and gravel and is excellent as filling 
material for excavation work locally. All sand used for work like 
this is rinsed, sanitized and checked to make sure it meets 
the requirements for reused.

17

17 SLUDGE

When Kalundborg Utility treats the wastewater from households 
and companies, one of the residues is bio-sludge. Part of this sludge 
is delivered to farmers as fertilizer, due to its content of nutrients. 
Before leaving the treatment plant at Kalundborg Utility, the sludge 
is sanitized and checked, to make sure it meets the requirements 
to be used on all types of farmland and in private gardens.

18

18 NOVOGRO

NovoGro is both a waste stream from Novo Nordisk 
and Novozymes and a source of energy containing 
valued fertilizer components. Biogas (methan) is 
produced via digestion of Novogro at Kalundborg Bioenergy. 
The biogas is then upgraded to biomethane 
and injected into the gas grid. The remaining product 
is rich in nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphor (P) 
and potassium (K); all significant ingredients in fertilizers.

19

19 ETHANOL WASTE

Ethanol is part of certain parts of the process 
when Novo Nordisk produces insulin. 
Much of the ethanol can be regenerated. 
Some of the ethanol-containing residues 
that cannot be regenerated are sent, among other things, 
to the biogas plant at Kalundborg Bioenergy. 
Here the ethanol residues are converted to biogas 
and upgraded to biomethane. 

19

19 ETHANOL WASTE

Ethanol is part of certain parts of the process 
when Novo Nordisk produces insulin. 
Much of the ethanol can be regenerated. 
Some of the ethanol-containing residues 
that cannot be regenerated are sent, among other things, 
to the biogas plant at Kalundborg Bioenergy. 
Here the ethanol residues are converted to biogas 
and upgraded to biomethane. 

19

19 ETHANOL WASTE

Ethanol is part of certain parts of the process 
when Novo Nordisk produces insulin. 
Much of the ethanol can be regenerated. 
Some of the ethanol-containing residues 
that cannot be regenerated are sent, among other things, 
to the biogas plant at Kalundborg Bioenergy. 
Here the ethanol residues are converted to biogas 
and upgraded to biomethane. 

20

20 BIOMASS

Novozymes produces enzymes through 
a fermentation process based on agricultural 
raw materials, such as sugar, starch and protein. 
When the fermentation process is over 
and the enzymes are separated, Novozymes is left 
with a nutrient-rich biomass that Kalundborg Bioenergy 
converts into biogas (upgraded to biomethane) and fertilizer.

21

21 FERTILISER

Gasified biomass from Novozymes 
and Novo Nordisk, together with 
reclaimed sulphur, make up the ingredients 
of various fertiliser products that are especially 
suitable for agriculture.

22

22 INDUSTRIAL RECYCLING

Many external companies are purchasers of 
waste from the Recycling Centre in Kalundborg (ARGO) 
that the citizens are good at sorting out into well defined fractions. 
These include plastic, ROCKWOOL insulation, flamingo, glass, 
cardboard, paper and clean wood. The different materials 
are sorted and much of it can be recycled again - for new plastic, 
new ROCKWOOL isolation, new flamingo, new glass, 
new cardboard and paper. Clean wood can e.g. be turned into chipboard.

23

23 REUSABLE WASTE

Parts of the citizens' reusable materials, being in a good 
and functional condition are being picked up 
by several organizations, such as Red Cross, Ørslev Sport Club, 
Resale, Løve Community Center and Spildlopperne in Kalundborg. 
Hence the organizations sell the materials as direct reuse 
and donate the money to charity. 
In addition, citizens locally in Kalundborg have the opportunity 
to pick up compost throughout the year at The Recycling Center (ARGO).

24

24 GYPSUM RECYCLING

Gyproc receives gypsum waste from waste management companies
and recycling stations. The gypsum is shredded from the paper
and then the gypsum can be used in new plasterboard
, thus lowering the consumption of virgin materials.

24

24 GYPSUM RECYCLING

Gyproc receives gypsum waste from waste management companies
and recycling stations. The gypsum is shredded from the paper
and then the gypsum can be used in new plasterboard
, thus lowering the consumption of virgin materials.

25

25 DESULPHURIZED GYPSUM

Gyproc currently obtains De-Sulphured Gypsum (DSG)
from several sources, including waste incineration plants.
The desulphurized gypsum is used in gypsum board production
and lowers the consumption of virgin gypsum.
Gyproc previously took desulphurized gypsum from Asnæsværket's
flue gas cleaning, but with the plant's conversion from coal to
biomass, this flow ceased. The new fraction,
derived from multiple sources,
was first tested in 2021 and is now fully implemented.


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26

26 PAPER

Cover paper from recycled plasterboard contains
a small amount of gypsum. The fraction is used as
bedding in agriculture. After use as bedding,
it re-enters the cycle when used as
fertilizer/compost on fields. Alternatively, the
residual paper fraction is used in waste incineration
in connection with district heating.

 

27

27 HEMICELLULOSE

When processing straw into second-generation
bioethanol, a hemicellulose fraction is also obtained.
Hemicellulose is a mixture of complex carbohydrates
that can be used in food production. At COMET, in collaboration
with Meliora Bio, a production line has been built
that can convert the hemicellulose into Arrabina prebiotics,
a fiber supplement that helps the natural intestinal function
work better. 

28

28 CONCENTRATED ORGANIC MATERIAL

Meliora Bio concentrates process water
containing organic residual material
from their production. The material, which has
a high energy content, is sent to
Kalundborg Bioenergi, where the organic
material is used in biogas production.  

29

29 ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION

Asnæs Power Station can produce 25 MW on the steam turbines.
When producing electricity, CHP benefits are achieved
in the form of cheaper district heating. This happens because
the district heating cools the steam after it has been sent
through the turbine. The effect of this increases
the efficiency of the turbine.  

30

30 HEATING TANKS

Inter Terminals receives hot water (90C) from Ørsted.
Hot water is converted steam. The water is used for
heating oil tanks. Here the oil is stored temporarily
in connection with the transshipment of ships.

31

31 USED LUBRICATING OIL

 

32

32 BOTTOM FRACTION

33

33 AUXILIARY FUEL