High-Efficiency Cogeneration: A Viable Solution for the Decarbonization of Cities with District Heating Systems

Pavel Atănăsoae (), Radu Dumitru Pentiuc and Laurențiu Dan Milici
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Pavel Atănăsoae: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Str. Universitatii 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Radu Dumitru Pentiuc: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Str. Universitatii 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Laurențiu Dan Milici: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Str. Universitatii 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: In a global context marked by increasingly evident climate change and an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions are no longer just an option, but a necessity. Decarbonizing cities is an essential process for combating climate change and creating a sustainable urban environment. This article provides an analysis of the decarbonization possibilities of the building heating sector in the case of cities with district heating systems. A case study referring to the district heating system of Suceava city, Romania, is provided. The results of this study show a significant reduction in carbon emissions per unit of thermal energy delivered (95.97%) from the district heating system after 2015 because of the change in technology and primary energy source (cogeneration and biomass). Also, a comparative analysis is provided: district heating vs. individual heating in terms of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions for the same amount of heat supplied to end consumers in 2023. The comparative analysis highlights a difference in CO 2 emission of 81.66% (0.220 kg CO 2 /kWh for individual heating and 0.040 kg CO 2 /kWh for district heating). The implications of high-efficiency cogeneration in the decarbonization of the building heating sector are analyzed and highlighted.

Keywords: high-efficiency cogeneration; district heating; decarbonization of cities; primary energy saving; sustainable development; energy efficiency; heating and cooling of buildings (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: 2025
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