Page 42 - European Energy Innovation - summer 2018 publication

42 Summer 2018 European Energy Innovation

DISTRICT HEATING & COOLING

The world’s largest solar heating plant is located in Silkeborg, Denmark. (Source: Arcon-Sunmark)

The same principle can be applied to Denmark and Switzerland, renewable remember: 12% of the new EU energy
waste heat sources in urban areas – energy already provides more than 40% efficiency target can be covered
a lot of heat produced in the middle of district heat supply (Source: IRENA). by increasing the share of district
of our cities that remains largely heating and cooling from around 10%
unused. In some cases, the potential Short term as well as seasonal heat to 30% by 2030 (Source: Danfoss).
is huge and will grow even further: storage (collecting heat from large We already know that it is possible
data centres energy consumption is scale solar thermal systems or and feasible to increase the district
expected to double between 2007 industrial processes) is becoming heating share to 30% by 2050 and
and 2020, and so will the heat they more and more important, as it 50% by 2050 (Source: Heat Roadmap
produce. Channelling this heat via reduces demand for other energy Europe).
district heating networks is already a sources and increases flexibility
profitable business model. between seasons. Moreover, excess So, what do we need to achieve that?
electricity generated when there is The right mindset and investments
If we add the unlimited renewable abundant sun or wind can be used in the right infrastructure. Let’s put
energy sources suitable for direct use by district heating companies to (water) pipes in the ground, instead of
for heating and cooling (geothermal, produce hot water through heat (gas) pipelines! l
solar), the picture gets clearer. pumps. Therefore, district heating
and cooling systems come to play a Contact information
Around the world, a switch towards pivotal role in increasing the share of
renewable energy sources for district renewable heat as well as enabling www.euroheat.org
heating and cooling can help meet variable renewable power integration. Email: dp@euroheat.org
rising urban energy needs, improve Twitter: @EuroheatPower
efficiency, reduce emissions and With the new Clean Energy Package
provide cost-effective temperature on its way for implementation over @DanaPoppEU
control. In a few countries, such as the next years, here is a number to

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