Critical infrastructure encompasses the systems and structures essential to the functioning of our society. These may support economic or social functions, such as health, transport, energy, information, food supply, or security, and architecture plays a central role in many of these domains. When buildings that support critical functions fail to operate, the consequences extend beyond the site itself, potentially compromising public safety or interrupting access to vital resources.
UdforskAvedøre Power Station - an architectural landmark for Copenhagen
Energy & Industry
Avedøre Power Plant, Unit 2
Avedøre Holme, Denmark
Avedøre Power Station is a combined heat and power plant, which has two units generating electricity and district heating for energy customers in Greater Copenhagen.
The Avedøre Power Station is silhouetted against the sky at the southern approach to Copenhagen, from sharp and bright in sunny weather to rainy grey in typical Danish weather.
The plant consists of two units: Unit 2 is the newest - a multi-fuel plant fired primarily with biomass. The processing system in Unit 2 is made up of several components, which, when combined, result in very high fuel utilisation. By generating both electricity and heat at the same time, the plant utilises up to 94% of the fuel’s energy. In addition to this, Unit 2 is one of the most efficient power plants in the world. Unit 1 was designed for coal-fuelling but has since been converted to biomass.
Client
Dong Energy A/S
Status
Completed
Size
60000 m2
Year
1992
Areas of Expertise
Photos
Gottlieb Paludan Architects
Avedøre Power Station also comprises a pump building for district heating, a high-voltage building, two 150-metre chimneys and a number of facilities for storing and transporting fuel and waste products.
The plant is covered by conical tent-like metal structures which integrate several independent elements into an iconic gestalt on the Greater Copenhagen horizon towering over the water surface at Kalveboderne.
Although they are independent buildings, they form a cohesive structure, almost like a man-made mountain, with a prismatic design language adapted to the flat landscape.
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Energy facilities and industrial buildings are key to the green transition. We design technical infrastructure that combines function, safety, and aesthetics – adding value for both people and their surroundings.
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Michael Krarup
Project DirectorArchitect MAA
mk@gottliebpaludan.com+45 2548 7414