P25
A heat network is more likely to install a biomass plant, based on for instance straw or wood chips, than the single household. As a result, all connected households are switched to renewable heating and contributes to a greener society. District heating is already used by more than 60 % of Danish households, and 58 % of the heat production is currently based on non-fossil fuels. In Eastern Europe, many small cities are dependent on a central heating source, but the majority of these plants are based on coal or gas. To meet the EU goals, a new fuel source is needed.
Many heating plants are provided by local biomass suppliers, which can support a stronger local economy and sustain or even create new jobs. In other words, the entire process can be kept locally, as illustrated below.
NEW GREEN CURRENTS FLOW WITH HEAT PUMPS
EASY SWITCH ENSURES LOWCOSTS While there are other CO2 neutral energy sources, these have several disadvantages. New built installations require changing the local infrastructure and environment. This can affect the local community and cause nuisance both visually and physically, e.g. noise interference from windmills. Changes in infrastructure to accommodate new energy sources should be added to the total cost of the plant, when considering a switch to renewable energy. When replacing fossil fuel with biomass, the new boiler can often be installed inside the existing boiler room. This limits both the investment, the strain on the surrounding environment and, in the end, the total costs. DISTRICT HEATING PROVIDES GREEN ENERGY FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND INDUSTRY Switching to biomass can be difficult for the single consumer. An average household uses around 20 MWh of heating every year, either from a furnace (or likewise) or a central heating source. The single house owner is often limited to a few options, more often than not a fossil fuel. As part of a heat network, renewables become a possibility.
How do we use the value of all the green power produced in Denmark?
In COWI, we think that the answer is large heat pumps.
The technology exists – and we have great experiences with large heat pumps creating value within the district heating system.
For more information www.cowi.dk/energinyheder
POWERING YOUR 360 o SOLUTION COWI is a leading consultancy company that creates values to customers, citizens and the entire society through our 360 o approach. We attack challenges from many different angles to create continuous solutions for our customers.
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