Heating and cooling accounts for half of the EU’s energy consumption and is currently 75% fossil-fuel based. To succeed with the energy transition in Europe, therefore, decarbonizing our heating and cooling supply is essential. Energy efficiency and the smart integration of renewable energy through sector coupling, is the cost-effective pathway for achieving our goals.
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A new report from Aalborg University in Denmark sets the vision and concrete pathway for decarbonizing the European heating and cooling sector by 2050, based on the significant potential of district energy and energy efficiency in Europe.Download summary
The report by Aalborg University was initiated by Danfoss and Engie.Download the full version here.
Utilizing energy system synergies and exploiting energy efficiency results in a reduction in primary energy of 13% compared to a ‘conventionally decarbonized’ scenario in 2050. And it reduces total energy system costs by approximately 70 bn EUR per year.
4th generation district heating operating with low temperatures could lead to primary energy savings of around 120 TWh/year and cost savings of up to 6 bn EUR/year in the HRE scenario. It will also enable the integration of low-carbon energy sources, such as waste heat and geothermal.
With the right balance between investments in end-user savings andinvestments in decarbonized energy supply, an affordable decarbonizationis possible by reducing space-heating demands by 30%.
By improving the energy efficiency of district energy systems and moving from a supply to a demand-driven system with automatic controls, savings of up to 40% can be achieved. Exact pressure-, temperature- and flow control minimizes heat losses and optimizes network operation.
Setting ambitious targets, ensuring a level playing field for different solutions and securing finance, are some of the elements the policy framework should cover. Absolutely crucial is the collection of data and the making of detailed plans for how to decarbonize heating and cooling.
EnergyLab Nordhavn is a key part in reaching Copenhagen’s overall goal of being CO2 neutral by 2025.
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In Sønderborg, Denmark, the local supermarket provides neighboring buildings with surplus heat from its refrigeration system which would otherwise be lost.
In the podcast mini-series Decarb Districts, we explore the role of district energy in the European green transition. Our host Susanne Tull, Senior Manager Public Affairs at Danfoss, is joined by leading specialists and visionaries across the energy sector who share their views and ideas around 5 topics ranging from digitalization to energy planning.
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