HOW TO START
By Lars Gullev, Senior Consultant, VEKS
If we are to become independent of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas and instead base the heating of our homes on renewable energy sources like sustainable biomass, surplus heat, solar and wind power, and geothermal energy, it is necessary to establish district heating wher- ever it is technically feasible and economically viable. Therefore, it may be relevant for you to get inspiration - a guideline - on how to start a district heating company. This article introduces the process. Circumstances vary from country to country, so pick the parts which give meaning to your plans – and hopefully you will be inspired.
This article is inspired by the Danish District Heating Associa- tion guidance to how to establish a cooperative district heat- ing (DH) company and at the same time reflect the author’s wide international experience. Some of the content is relevant everywhere and for many, other parts may be less relevant. It is important that the recommendations are not seen as a final work plan for how to establish a DH company – it is for inspira- tion and guidance only. 9 steps toward establishing a DH company There are 9 steps in this plan, that bring a project from the first idea to a final DH system, with pipes in the ground.
able heat supply in the future, who has no DH at present and needs to start from scratch.
“Before start” “find out who is doing what.”
If the use of natural gas is to be reduced – and possibly phased out – it is crucial to expand existing DH networks and establish DH in cities/villages that are geographically isolated from the existing DH networks. First and foremost, it is crucial to investigate if others have had the same good idea. If so, contact the municipality to clarify the climate and energy policy goals in the municipality. Then contact the nearest DH companies (including small com- panies) to get information about their plans to supply DH to your city or area.
Link to the plan in Danish.
This article will exclusively focus on establishing a new col- lective heat supply in areas away from existing DH networks. Some of the recommendations are also relevant for expanding existing networks, but for now we focus on the many large and small cities, towns and villages, where DH could be the sustain-
Establishing DH from scratch requires significant resources,
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker