District Heating Systems: An Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the 4GDH

Gerald Schweiger, Fabian Kuttin and Alfred Posch
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Gerald Schweiger: Institute of Software Technology, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
Fabian Kuttin: Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
Alfred Posch: Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-15

Abstract: Fourth-generation district heating networks (4GDH) can play a special role in the efficient and climate-friendly use of energy. In this study, we have examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of this innovative technology. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, we assessed the SWOT-factors in terms of their importance. Among the factors that were weighted with the highest relative importance were the ability of 4GDH to serve as a label bundling and stimulating considerations with respect to the further development of district heating systems and the increased value creation within the national economy through the inclusion of local, renewable energy sources. Moreover, the interviewed experts agreed that regulatory frameworks in the context of 4GDH have to be further developed.

Keywords: district heating; 4GDH; SWOT (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: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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