New Aalborg University Hospital reduces emissions with sustainable district cooling

New Aalborg University Hospital needed a reliable cooling solution for patient comfort, equipment protection, and air quality control across multiple specialized buildings. The system had to meet strict sustainability goals while ensuring consistent performance during seasonal demand fluctuations.

Aalborg Forsyning implemented a district cooling system using cold water from a nearby chalk lake, providing free cooling for up to 80% of demand. For peak periods, the system integrates three Sabroe ChillPAC chillers and two Sabroe HeatPAC heat pumps, delivering flexibility and heat recovery for other customers.

New Aalborg University Hospital’s cooling system up to eight times the efficiency of conventional solutions, reducing electricity consumption by 80% and cutting CO₂ emissions by 500–700 tonnes annually. By incorporating Sabroe ChillPAC chillers and Sabroe HeatPAC heat pumps, the hospital benefits from reliable cooling performance and operational flexibility during seasonal peaks. This approach helps lower operating costs, reduce maintenance needs and strengthen overall energy resilience. The system’s compact design minimizes noise and vibration, creating a quieter environment for patients and staff while freeing space for clinical functions. With a cooling capacity of 11 MW, New Aalborg University Hospital can support sensitive medical equipment and specialized treatment areas without compromising reliability.

New Aalborg University Hospital is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility in northern Denmark, spanning 330,000 m². It combines advanced medical services with sustainable infrastructure, including psychiatric care, oncology, patient hotel, outpatient services, and research facilities. The hospital is designed to deliver exceptional patient care while meeting ambitious environmental and energy efficiency goals.

Aalborg Forsyning is a municipal utility group providing district heating, cooling, gas, water, and energy services. The NAU project marks their first large-scale district cooling initiative, setting a benchmark for sustainable energy solutions in Denmark.