This report is part of the Clean Energy Technology Observatory 2022 series on technologies and their integration into the energy system. It focuses on how district heating and cooling networks can be managed efficiently and how they can provide flexibility to the wider energy system. Frontrunner cases show that DHC networks can play a central role in future energy systems by offering flexibility to the power sector and by enabling a high integration of renewable energy sources. DHC networks can be a versatile asset for the wider energy system through the utilisation of certain technologies. For example, advanced control technologies make it possible to integrate multiple supply and demand points, optimise system efficiencies and maximise the use of renewables. Thermal energy storage technologies can cost-effectively store energy, making it possible to spread out the consumption of intermittent renewable production, while combined heat and power plants can be used to steer the production of both thermal energy and electricity towards both systems. The report describes the status of these technologies and shows the significant flexibility potential they can provide to the wider energy system.
Volt, S., Roca Reina, J., Carlsson, J., Georgakaki, A., Letout, S., Kuokkanen, A., Mountraki, A., Ince, E., Shtjefni, D., Joanny Ordonez, G., Eulaerts, O., Grabowska, M. and Toleikyte, A., Clean Energy Technology Observatory: District Heat and Cold Management in the European Union – 2022 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets, EUR 31252 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2022, ISBN 978-92-76-57684-6, doi:10.2760/168004, JRC130726.
2022-11-15
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC130726
978-92-76-57684-6 (online)
1831-9424 (online)
EUR 31252 EN , OP KJ-NA-31-252-EN-N (online)
; LETOUT Simon; KUOKKANEN Anna; MOUNTRAKI Aikaterini 