In terms of global warming and independence of fossil fuels, biogas has a number of advantages. Produced from biodegradable wastes, biogas can be used for the production of low-carbon heat and electricity and can be upgraded for use as a vehicle fuel.

Biogas usage options:
Biogas is a renewable fuel that can be used in a number of ways. Biogas can be used in boilers to provide heat only, in combined heat and power plants (CHP) to generate both electricity and heat, or upgraded to biomethane and then injected into the gas network or used as a vehicle fuel.

Octopodes has extensive experience in advising clients on all these methods. We also advise on the development of gas networks for biomethane, in settings where no suitable infrastructure exists already.

Biogas upgrade:
Biogas is made up of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water vapor and other minor constituents and particulates. The methane, and therefore the energy, content of the biogas can increase by removing the other constituents – the methane content can be increased to 98% or more. In this form, biomethane is suitable for injection into the gas network or used as a vehicle fuel. Octopodes has advised a number of clients on biogas upgrades, which creates high-grade renewable fuel and removes those constituents that have the potential to corrode or cause mechanical wear to a facility. There are a number of technologies available for the removal of CO2, which are continually being improved and developed upon. It is important to choose the most appropriate technology for the task, based on plant-specific parameters.

Biogas as a vehicle fuel:
Biomethane can be compressed or liquefied into Compressed BioGas (CBG) or Liquified BioGas (LBG), which can then be used as a vehicle fuel. Natural gas used as a vehicle fuel can lead to a 20-30% saving on carbon emissions. The process of capturing biomethane can lead to a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emission compared to other energy sources. Vehicles running on biomethane have lower emissions of particulates, NOx, and SOx and are known to be quieter running than engines running on petrol or diesel. Octopodes has been involved in pre-construction planning, design, and inspection of a significant number of vehicle fueling stations. Anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and organic waste Our services after the pre-study stage cover the entire project cycle from preliminary design, permit applications and EIAs to final design, tendering, supervision, commissioning and performance tests. We also perform periodical inspections and analysis of risks and operational safety.

Biomass is a renewable energy source and an energy solution that is innovative, cost-efficient and carbon neutral. Biomass is used for the production of a significant and increasing part of the energy consumed in modern society. Biomass can be used for the production of carbon-neutral bioenergy in the form of biogas, heat, electricity or combined heat and power. A wide variety of biomass materials may be used including liquid and solid agricultural biomass, wood chips, wastewater treatment residues, energy crops, industrial biomass and even algae. The type of fuel (biomass) depends on available supplies, price and the size of the bioenergy plant.

There are a number of technological options available to make use of biomass as a renewable energy source. The option most frequently used is thermal conversion, where the bioenergy is produced in an environmentally sustainable way in efficiently designed combustion plants. Biomass can also be converted into energy using biochemical conversion

Octopodes has undertaken a number of efficient bioenergy projects using biomass materials. Some of the resulting plants are capable of reaching total energy efficiency rates of more than 100 percent. We benefit from our experience with waste-to-energy facilities, which treat the most difficult fuel of all – waste – in an environmentally acceptable way.

Bioenergy plants are frequently connected to a district heating system. Octopodes is considered one of the world’s leading district heating consultancies – to learn more about this service see our District Heating page

Biomass consultancy services:
Our services cover the entire project cycle and include:

• Energy plan projects
• Feasibility studies
• Risk and PPP assessment
• Conceptual design and plant layout
• Detailed design
• Preparation of tender documents
• Procurement management
• Tender evaluation and contract negotiations
• Project and contract management
• Supervision during construction and commissioning
• Project follow-up

Combined heat and power (CHP) is an energy efficient use of fuel. Rather than rejecting energy as waste heat when electricity only is produced, this energy is exploited in combined heat and power plants.

Energy efficient CHP:
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is recognized as an energy efficient technology. In addition to generating electricity, CHP plants also capture the heat that is produced in this process instead of just wasting the heat as in conventional electricity generation. It is three times more efficient for a large thermal power plant to produce heat for district heating systems and industries than to generate heat and electricity separately.

Advantages of CHP:
With CHP our fuel consumption is reduced, as less fuel is required to produce the same amount of useful energy. Based on proven technologies, CHP also offers the advantage of high-quality and reliable energy supply to the consumers as well as the generation of low-carbon or renewable energy in a cost-effective manner.

Knowledge of energy production and district heating:
At Octopodes, our great experience of energy production facilities based on a variety of fuels is combined with our experience of district heating transmission systems and low-temperature district heating systems. This helps us maximize the environmental, social and economic benefits for both investors and consumers. We offer our clients all services that are necessary for establishing optimized CHP plants, heat accumulators and district heating systems – from planning, design and procurement to implementation. Our experience encompasses a wide range of CHP plants, including Waste-to-Energy, biogas and biomass plants.

As the demand for cooling and energy-efficient solutions is growing, district cooling is becoming an essential part of urban development. District cooling systems provide buildings with cooling which is energy-efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Being a green and economic alternative to conventional electric chillers, district cooling systems can provide the buildings in an area with chilled water for comfort and process cooling – hand in hand with district heating. Centralizing cooling production has many benefits, including reduced maintenance cost, less space needed for cooling purposes, economies of scale and reduction of the total installed capacity.

Production of district cooling: District cooling can be produced on the basis of an optimal combination of electricity, surplus heat and the best available ambient cooling sources, such as cold water or air. Often, the cooling production is furthermore combined with large cooling storage solutions in order to optimize the production and reduce the need for expensive cooling, while taking fluctuating electricity prices into account.

District cooling services: Octopodes is involved in district cooling projects, Choosing the most optimal cooling solution depends greatly on the surrounding environment. Octopode’s previous and present projects include many different cooling solutions – ranging from snow-based cooling, through ground source cooling to solar heat-based cooling.

Octopodes provides support in all phases of a district cooling project:

• Identifying the potential: Optimal locations for a district cooling network are mapped
• Studying the feasibility: Estimating profitability and the technical feasibility of the network
• Conceptualizing a solution: Developing an optimal cooling solution
• Finalising the design: Detailing the final design, preparing it for construction
• Following up: Fine tuning the system and expanding the customer base

Mapping profitable district cooling areas:
In order to identify the most optimal location of a new district cooling plant within a certain area, Octopodes has developed an automated mapping tool called DCmapper. This tool uses the estimated cooling requirements and geographical location of each building in an area to calculate the economic difference between traditional cooling and a district cooling system.

360° consultancy:
Octopodes provides 360-degree consultancy in all fields related to district cooling. As we collaborate closely with our departments of district heating, waste-to-energy, combined heat and power, renewable energy and building installations, we are able to offer optimal solutions, including the most efficient use of heating and cooling sources.

In cold, urban climates, city-wide district heating systems are key to the cost-effective use of environmentally friendly, low-carbon heat sources. Likewise, district cooling systems can deliver chilled water to commercial buildings from low-carbon sources. As one of the world’s leading district heating consultancies, Octopodes has vast years of experience from projects in many countries. Our services encompass all stages of planning, design, operation, maintenance, and management; including technical, institutional, legal, as well as economic aspects. In recent years we have also actively engaged ourselves in several district cooling projects. As cities aim to be carbon neutral, district heating and cooling systems become more important than ever. Our international market for these services is growing, not least due to a growing concern with climate change. Our district heating and cooling departments work closely with our departments for waste-to-energy, CHP, renewable energy and building installations to provide optimal use of heating and cooling sources.

District heating of water:
A city-wide, low-temperature district heating system is key to any low-carbon city. The system is cost-effective and uses efficient, carbon neutral heat sources that would otherwise be wasted. The heat sources derive from CHP plants with heat accumulators, waste-to-energy plants, geothermal plants, biomass boilers, large-scale heat pumps and large-scale solar heating plants. Even for small settlements, district heating with thermal storage can be the key component of the most intelligent, cost-effective and carbon-neutral heating for both existing and new buildings.

District heating steam and super-heated water:
A special system for district heating, based on super-heated water or steam, is used mainly for industrial processes, but also in some cities and hospitals. Octopodes has extensive experience with these systems, including the design of pipe systems with a proven lifetime of more than 50 years. We also have experience in transforming these systems into more efficient, low-temperature systems.

District cooling:
Decentralised electric chillers in district cooling systems can often be replaced by less expensive systems that use cold seawater, groundwater or carbon-free thermal energy. Our experience in district cooling includes chilled water storage, district heating absorption heat pumps and decentralized cooling plants based on solar heating.

Heating installations in buildings:
The efficiency of a city-wide heating system depends on its integration with low-temperature heating systems in buildings. We provide our clients with expertise in the design and operation of all facilities in the system, including building installations

Climate adaptation and the mitigation of climate change call for a holistic approach. This includes sectors such as infrastructure, urban development, natural resources, and traffic. It also includes the energy sector where substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved.

Reducing climate change:
The climate agenda is global and includes us all. Therefore, Octopodes wishes to contribute through our consultancy and our own activities to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a decrease in the climate change effects and the protection of the values in our society. It is a fact that the climate changes are ongoing. The speed at which the changes are occurring is accelerating. We can expect temperature increases, an increase in winter precipitation and generally more incidents of heavy precipitation, especially in the autumn.

Combined with the growth of the earth’s population the global warming challenges us as consultants. At Octopodes, we see it as our job, through our knowledge, and through our own conduct, to contribute to the minimization of the pull on resources and of the emission of climate gases. We also see it as our job to make our knowledge available, so that the effect of the climate changes is reduced and the values of our society are protected.

We incorporate the climate agenda into all of our services and projects, whether it is a question of energy, infrastructure, building and industry or nature and water projects.

Climate and the energy sector:
Considering the ways we produce, distribute and consume energy is the most important factor in the fight against climate change. We develop and streamline the production, distribution, and use of energy in order to reduce emissions, improve our clients’ financial position and ensure a stable supply.
Our services include the planning, design, and construction of plants for Combined Heat and Power and renewable energy sources like biomass, waste, geothermal, solar and wind. For Energy utilities, we plan and design smart city solutions and intelligent grids for transfer of renewable energy to buildings through district heating, district cooling and the power grids. We are involved in CO2 storage projects.
For energy-consuming companies, private as well as the public, we carry out an overall mapping of greenhouse gas emissions and assessment of potential areas where the emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced. We propose solutions such as the use of renewable energy, efficient distribution systems and energy-reducing measures, and we assess the technical, financial, organizational and hazardous aspects of these solutions.

Climate strategies and plans:
Professional and lasting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions require clear climate strategies and climate plans. At Octopodes, we collaborate with our clients to produce holistic climate strategies that explore the most realistic and achievable possibilities. In light of these strategies we suggest detailed climate plans of how companies, municipalities, regions and countries can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors e.g. energy, transport, industry and agriculture in the most cost-effective manner.

Climate gas scenario model:
We use the Octopodes climate gas scenario model to calculate climate gas reductions in general and CO2 reductions in particular. Adapting to each specific situation, the calculator is a useful tool to prepare climate strategies and climate plans and assess specific reduction.

Increased energy efficiency and the reduction of negative environmental impacts go hand in hand. And the smartest solutions need not have negative impacts on comfort or profits.In our energy efficiency consultancy, we consider the technical, institutional, financial and social aspects of improving energy production, transmission, distribution and use.

International experience:
We have international experience working with energy efficiency strategies and projects for national and local authorities, utilities.

Services:
We offer the following services:

• Designing and developing overall technical solutions, including production, transmission, distribution and end-use
• Project management
• Preparing energy saving policies and strategies for national and local authorities
• Calculating the impact of energy efficiency measures
• Developing information campaigns on saving energy
• Investigating potential barriers to saving energy
• Contributing to a better understanding of and assisting in the implementation of the EU energy efficiency policy
• Energy efficiency in industrial processes

The making of a strategy and plan for the production, transmission, distribution, and use of energy is the starting point for efficient energy management at all levels – from companies to local authorities and government.

Octopode’s capabilities in energy strategy and planning span the entire energy chain from production to end-use. We assist public as well as private sector clients, including municipalities, utilities, central agencies, IFIs, developers, and industries to prepare energy strategies and action plans.

Our services include:

• Strategic energy plans
• Heat plans
• Policy analyses
• Climate plans
• Carbon disclosure
• Urban energy master plans
• Energy efficiency mapping and analyses
• Advice on energy legislation
• Feasibility studies
• Project proposals

Urban energy planning:
In line with political and legislative initiatives, and the increasing focus on and awareness of our climate, it has for many municipalities become a focus area to prepare energy strategies to ensure that every step necessary is taken to reduce the energy consumption and the total CO2 emission in the most cost-effective way.

These strategies are designed in close co-operation with energy suppliers and large energy consumers. These strategies include all relevant activities in the municipality and a forecast of the energy balance on the territory of the municipality, including the use of resources and CO2 emissions.
Our aim is to serve our clients’ demands in the best way by anchoring our planning services in the relevant service areas. This ensures that our planners will develop realistic and applicable plans in close contact with the designers who implement the plans.

Society’s acceptance of risks to people, business, property, and the environment is continuously reducing. This makes minimising fire and safety risks on building only 60 degrees Celcius is required to provide a building with heating and hot tap water. The underground contains tremendous CO2 neutral energy resources at 70 degrees Celcius or more, making it a renewable energy source worth considering.

Feasibility of geothermal energy:
Geothermal energy may be an obvious solution in some countries, e.g. in countries with warm springs like Iceland where the geothermal energy is used for power production and for heating almost all buildings.In other countries, the hot water resources are not so easily accessible as they may be several kilometers below the surface. In this case, geothermal energy can only be explored at large scale and at considerable cost. The following needs to be considered when exploring this zero carbon solution:

It is very expensive to drill several kilometers into the underground and to establish the necessary facilities. Therefore the plant should always be in a certain scale and with a long utilization period, e.g. as the base load in a large district heating system.

There is always a risk that the well will be dry due to low permeability, therefore detailed seismic investigations are important before a decision to proceed is made.

The salinity is very high. Therefore special precautions should be taken in relation to the heat exchangers.

The geothermal water can be utilized more efficiently with low-temperature heating, e.g. in buildings using floor heating, and with a heat pump.

Octopodes geothermal energy expertise:
Octopodes has all the skills to successfully plan, implement and operate energy projects based on geothermal heat.

Our services include:

• Project management
• Master plans for project development and feasibility studies
• Screening of areas with a geothermal potential
• Environmental impact assessments and authority liaison
• Economical evaluation of geothermal projects
• Seismic, geological and geophysical studies and investigations
• Reservoir hydraulic calculation and evaluation
• Conceptual and detailed design of plant, buildings, piping and boreholes
• Tendering and procurement
• Site management
• HQSE (Health, Quality, Safety, Environmental) management

The use of water as a source of energy is widespread in the form of hydropower, whereas tidal and wave power still has not been exploited to its fullest potential. Around 20 percent of the world’s electricity comes from hydropower.

Hydropower:
Hydroelectric power plants generate almost 90 percent of all renewable energy. They come in all sizes, and the largest ones have a production capacity of more than 10 GW. Most hydropower comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. The major advantage of hydropower is that the fuel is readily available at no cost. In addition, hydroelectric power plants have a long economic life and require limited staff resources for their operation.

Octopodes works on behalf of power companies to innovate and streamline power plants with a view to a sustainable future power generation. By utilizing the latest technology and optimization solutions, we optimize the equipment to raise the efficiency of existing units. We check and ensure the dams and prepare investment proposals. We design, monitor and assure the quality of investments in both retrofits and new hydropower plants.

Octopodes has in-depth knowledge of many of the existing facilities. Our competence encompasses issues ranging from hydraulics, mechanical and electrical engineering to rock and plant engineering. We also make inspections in the relevant technology areas.

Tidal and wave power:
Tidal power technologies harvest energy from tidal currents, while wave power technologies use ocean surface waves to generate power. Octopodes has experience of both tidal stream power, drawing on our market leading offshore wind turbine expertise, and wave power. We provide expert advice and analysis throughout the lifetime of the projects, from tidal and wave energy resource studies to concept development and design.

Effective offshore wind energy consulting ensures that wind is increasingly included in renewable energy strategies. The wind energy sector has an annual growth rate of 20-30 percent and can help maintain the security of the global energy supply.

Developing a large offshore wind project is a complex undertaking. A large number of interfacing issues need to be resolved at all stages of the development process; from the initial idea to the time when the turbines are installed and in operation. Octopodes has the knowledge and the experience required to identify and to manage the risks and the uncertainties in a systematic manner, based on constantly updated evaluations of the costs and the benefits. We offer a full range of services from planning and project development to design, implementation and follow up on the operation, maintenance, and finally to decommissioning.

Wind energy planning:
Large-scale and cost-effective use of wind energy requires integration of wind energy into the mix of energy sources and into the power grid. Octopodes establishes and reviews local, national and regional energy resource planning and incorporates wind energy into the planning schemes. We investigate the possibilities of combining wind energy with other energy sources with regard to carbon emissions, economy, security of supply and the electrical infrastructure.

Once an offshore wind farm is considered or has been decided upon, we provide support and advice as the owner’s engineer throughout the development process on relevant technical, environmental, timing and financial matters.

Offshore site investigations:
Based on factors such as the choice of turbine and site conditions, Octopodes carries out all the necessary analyses to select the foundation type best suited for your offshore wind farm project.

Offshore substation design:
Octopodes has vast experience in the design of complete substations including structures, topsides, facilities, helipads, electrical and mechanical equipment and safety issues.

Onshore wind energy:
Wind energy is expanding rapidly, and so far more than 100 GW has been installed of which 99 GW is located onshore. The globally installed capacity is expected to reach 1000 GW by 2020 of which up to 950 will be onshore.

Climate change and the depletion of resources mean that power plants must invest in sustainable and energy efficient solutions. Consultancy in the power sector ensures that there is a development towards conversion to co-firing and biomass and more efficient production technologies.

Today, 85 percent of the world’s energy consumption comes from fossil fuels. The global challenge is to ensure that new and existing power plants are as environmentally sustainable and energy efficient as possible. One solution is to design new thermal power plants with high efficiency obtained through high steam parameters and combined heat and power production. Another is to design plants to burn biomass like wood and agricultural waste or to convert existing plants to co-firing of biomass and fossil fuels and thereby reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses.

Also, it is crucial to maintain and optimize existing thermal power plants by implementing updated technology to improve their efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.

Octopode’s power consulting expertise:
Octopodes develops, engineers, procures and implements energy efficient thermal power plants, drawing on our updated hands-on technical knowledge. In addition, we provide O&M assistance to existing power plants. We have comprehensive international experience from designing, constructing and providing operational support to more than 90 major power plants worldwide.

Consultancy services:
On most power projects we act as the Client’s Representative throughout the project – from planning to implementation.

Our services include:

• Feasibility studies including technical, environmental and financial analysis and recommendations needed to support the investment decision
• EIA, permitting and communications
• Procurement planning
• Risk analysis including fire and ATEX
• Project structuring
• Conceptual design and layout
• Preparation of specifications (output/detailed)
• Preparation of tender documents
• Management of the procurement process
• Evaluation of proposals
• Contract negotiations and closure
• Contract management
• Supervision during construction and commissioning
• Operation and maintenance advisory services
• Project follow-up after delivery of the facility

Energy from the sun is the single largest source of energy on Earth. The daily insolation of light from the sun on our globe is approximately 6,000 times the total amount of energy consumed daily on Earth. Solar energy is one of the fastest growing alternative energy sources.

Solar heating panels transform the sun’s energy into heat or thermal energy by heating up water. Solar heating is one of the most well-known and environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources. Octopodes is one of the global leading consultants within the solar heating and has been involved in the research and development of the newest technologies, including underground seasonal storage as well as the planning and design of some of the world’s largest plants. Since the cost of solar water heating from large plants is four to six times lower than that of heat from small plants, these large plants are now competitive with natural gas boilers.

The demand for large-scale solar heating plants is expected to grow in countries with warm climates, a centralized heat supply, and a progressive climate change policy.

Photovoltaics:
Photovoltaics is a long-term investment with an expected lifetime of 30 to 40 years. A solar cell is a semiconductor that generates electric power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity by exhibiting the so-called photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are produced without moving parts, therefore this is a very robust and operationally reliable technology.

Although photovoltaic systems are too expensive for commercial use, they are an option for low-energy houses in the future. For buildings in remote districts and for special appliances that are not connected to power grids, solar cells in combination with 12-volt distribution can be considered an optimal solution.

Big and small:
Octopodes has the expertise to provide consultancy services in connection with a number of solar heating plants. The plants range in size from 200 m2 to the largest solar heating plant of more than 18,000 m2.

Services
Octopode’s consultancy services in this field comprise:

• Technical and economic feasibility studies
• Design, preparation of tender documents and approval by the authorities
• Construction management
• Testing and commissioning
• Follow-up and operation

Waste-to-energy is one of the cornerstones of any efficient waste management system and a way to secure energy supplies for the future. Waste is turned into climate-friendly energy for the benefit of both people and the environment. A waste-to-energy facility may generate a range of outputs: electricity, district heating, steam for industrial processes, desalinated seawater or even district cooling. In this way, residual waste that cannot be recycled in an economic or environmentally beneficial way becomes a valuable local source of energy. Additionally, in most configurations, waste-to-energy facilities outperform alternative waste treatment processes in terms of their carbon footprint and other impacts on the environment.

World-class waste-to-energy consultancy:
Octopodes is internationally recognized as the world-leading waste-to-energy consultancy. We can provide our clients with well-considered advice throughout all phases of the project – from idea to reality – based on our comprehensive experience from waste-to-energy projects all over the world.

Unique waste-to-energy capabilities:
It is our knowledge and experience of how to best plan, procure and manage the implementation of waste-to-energy projects, in combination with our technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment that is our unique set of capabilities. We have 60 dedicated waste-to-energy project managers and specialists with in-depth knowledge of processes, technologies, suppliers and facility operation. In addition, we have 100 staff working with other aspects of waste-to-energy projects, including civil works, waste and energy planning, district heating, environment, and authority liaison.

The combination of our experience and expertise means that we can provide no-learning-curve client support at every step of the project. Octopodes always provides truly independent advice. As a matter of policy, we never work for suppliers of waste-to-energy.