Policy frameworks for district heating: A comprehensive overview and analysis of regulations and support measures across Europe

Breitschopf, Barbara; Winkler, Jenny; Bürger, Veit; Köhler, Benjamin; Bacquet, Alexandre; Popovski, Eftim; Fallahnejad, Mostafa; Kranzl, Lukas; Ragwitz, Mario

doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113377

Cited by 13 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…In [77], a scenario-based analysis is conducted on transitioning to RES for heating in Europe (EU) to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 [78][79][80][81], highlighting the significant need to increase electricity generation from wind and solar. The study finds that direct electrification is the most cost-efficient pathway, with scenarios identifying heat pumps to be more cost-effective than hydrogen or electro-fuels (E-fuels).…”

Section: Summary and Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In [77], a scenario-based analysis is conducted on transitioning to RES for heating i Europe (EU) to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 [78][79][80][81], highlighting the significan need to increase electricity generation from wind and solar. The study finds that direc The authors of [78] utilize an energy model to explore various scenarios and policy targets, highlighting "no-regret" options like investment in insulation, efficient equipment, and electrification of transport and heat.…”

Section: Summary and Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives

Ameli,

Strbac,

Pudjianto

et al. 2024

Energies

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Hydrogen is an emerging technology changing the context of heating with cleaner combustion than traditional fossil fuels. Studies indicate the potential to repurpose the existing natural gas infrastructure, offering consumers a sustainable, economically viable option in the future. The integration of hydrogen in combined heat and power systems could provide residential energy demand and reduce environmental emissions. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen will face several challenges, such as carbon dioxide emissions from the current production methods and the need for infrastructure modification for transport and safety. Researchers indicated the viability of hydrogen in decarbonizing heat, while some studies also challenged its long-term role in the future of heating. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review is carried out by identifying the following key aspects, which could impact the conclusion on the overall role of hydrogen in heat decarbonization: (i) a holistic view of the energy system, considering factors such as renewable integration and system balancing; (ii) consumer-oriented approaches often overlook the broader benefits of hydrogen in emission reduction and grid stability; (iii) carbon capture and storage scalability is a key factor for large-scale production of low-emission blue hydrogen; (iv) technological improvements could increase the cost-effectiveness of hydrogen; (v) the role of hydrogen in enhancing resilience, especially during extreme weather conditions, raises the potential of hydrogen as a flexible asset in the energy infrastructure for future energy supply; and finally, when considering the UK as a basis case, (vi) incorporating factors such as the extensive gas network and unique climate conditions, necessitates specific strategies.

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Section: Summary and Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Summary and Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives

Ameli,

Strbac,

Pudjianto

et al. 2024

Energies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Thus, institutional settings and regulations are established to ensure market transparency and protect consumers from abuse. Regulation varies, ranging from stricter, more rule-based requirements like in Denmark to frameworks with simpler or fewer rules, such as the Finnish competition-based regulation (Bacquet et al, 2022;Billerbeck et al, 2023b;Sandberg et al, 2018). According to Djørup (2021), the regulation of district heating should consider a company perspective and a societal perspective.…”

Section: District Heating Regulationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At the same time, a variety of approaches towards the regulation of district heating can be observed in the different European countries. These range from stricter, more obligation or rule-based requirements to regulatory frameworks with fewer rules and obligations in place (Bacquet et al, 2022;Billerbeck et al, 2023b). An analysis of the interrelation between regulations and the extent of perceived market power and dependency could reveal how well different regulations contribute to a positive perception of district heating.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception of District Heating in Europe: A Deep Dive into Influencing Factors and the Role of Regulation

Breitschopf

Preuß

Winkler

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…The European and national regulatory framework in the decarbonization path towards 2050 highlights the role of district heating (DH) in achieving the goals of efficiency, energy sustainability, renewables, and reduction in fossil fuel use [1]. The performance of the innovative configurations of the "efficient" networks are key topics in scientific research, focusing on distribution temperatures (low/neutral temperature DH) and on the integration of high-efficiency plants and additional sources [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling a Prototype of Bidirectional Substation for District Heating with Thermal Prosumers

et al. 2023

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The performance of the innovative configurations of the “efficient” thermal networks is a key topic in scientific research, focusing on distribution temperatures and integration with high-efficiency plants and renewable sources. As it already happens for the electricity prosumers, a thermal prosumer may feed the district heating network through a bidirectional exchange substation with the excess of the locally produced thermal energy (e.g., by means of solar thermal plant) or with the waste heat recovered in the industrial processes. The Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) and the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna (UNIBO) designed a bidirectional substation prototype, based on a return-to-supply configuration, and tested steady-state and dynamic conditions to evaluate performances and optimization measures. In this paper, the Modelica language and Dymola software were used to run a multi-domain simulation and model-based design of the substation, starting from a new heat exchanger model featuring variable efficiency, based on the thermal resistance scaling method. Control systems and components were customized from models in standard libraries in order to reproduce the substation behavior under defined operating settings, and the model was validated on the abovementioned experimental tests. Numerical results in terms of exchanged powers, temperatures and flow rates were systematically compared to experimental data, demonstrating a sufficient agreement. In particular, the absolute mean deviation—in terms of temperature—between experimental and numerical data assessed over the entire tests remains contained in +/−1 °C. As further step of the analysis, an optimized model could be included as a component in a district heating network for further investigations on the prosumers’ effects on an existing traditional grid (e.g., in case of deep renovation of urban areas connected to district heating and/or creation of micro energy communities).

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Policy frameworks for district heating: A comprehensive overview and analysis of regulations and support measures across Europe

Cited by 13 publications

References 22 publications

A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives

A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives

Perception of District Heating in Europe: A Deep Dive into Influencing Factors and the Role of Regulation

Modelling a Prototype of Bidirectional Substation for District Heating with Thermal Prosumers

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