District Heating

District heating is a convenient and sustainable method of heat distribution to homes and domestic warm water systems. As the name implies, energy is transported across a district via networks of well-insulated pipes through a heat exchanger that serves as an interface with the building's own radiator and hot tap water in a closed circuit system. The energy content comes from surplus heat usually from power plants and industrial facilities. Sources of energy generally come from combined heat and power plants, municipal waste incineration, surplus heat from industry and biofuel refineries as well as from solar thermal, geothermal and biomass processes.

Recycling the waste energy means that district heating systems can lower primary fuel need and avoid emissions from the combustion of other fuels making it very economical and environmentally friendly. The benefits from district heating are evident with significant reductions in emissions of sulphur, nitrous oxide and particles in densely populated areas. In Europe, district heating has enabled a reduction of CO2 emissions equivalent to one-fifth of current emissions for all of Sweden. Other notable benefits include lessened reliance on energy imports, price stability and environmental savings for the local community.

If district heating is such a great sustainable alternative to traditional sources of energy than why is in not more widespread?

The primary barrier to expansion is that the financial climate prefers fast returns on the short term investment of conventional energy systems. This is unfortunate as district heating provides a long term investment that is important for a stable economy. Reports indicate that there is generally lower costs for providers and customers with district heating, but these costs vary from region to region. Furthermore, implementation can be expensive without existing infrastructure so overall costs are dependent on local circumstances and resource availability. To overcome barriers, continued research and a better understanding of energy and customer demand trends can aid urban planning in helping district heating providers and policy-makers make more informed choices for the future.