Unconventional Excess Heat Sources for District Heating in a National Energy System Context

Steffen Nielsen, Kenneth Hansen, Rasmus Lund and Diana Moreno
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Steffen Nielsen: Department of Planning, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Kenneth Hansen: Department of Planning, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Rasmus Lund: Department of Planning, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Diana Moreno: Department of Planning, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: District heating (DH) is an important technology in future smart energy systems as it allows for an efficient implementation of various renewable energy sources. As DH develops towards lower temperatures and renewable electricity production increases, new types of heat sources become relevant. Thus, the aim of this article is to assess the potential for utilizing four unconventional excess heat (UEH) sources in DH systems, namely: Data centers, wastewater treatment, metros and service sector buildings. The main method used to assess the UEH potentials is an energy system analysis focusing on the availability and economic feasibility of utilizing the UEH sources in national contexts. The analysis consists of 2015 and 2050 scenarios for Germany, Spain and France. The results show a potential for utilizing the UEH potentials in all three countries, both in 2015 and 2050 systems. The potentials are highest in the 2050 scenarios, primarily due to larger DH shares. Furthermore, the potentials are limited by competition with other heat supply sources, conjunction with heat demands and feasible heat pump operation. In conclusion, the four UEH sources could impact the local DH systems, but in a national energy system context they are expected to play a minor role.

Keywords: energy planning; district heating; energy systems analysis; heat pumps; excess heat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (17)

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