Title:
Decarbonising European DHC Networks - the ENABLE DHC Project
Author(s):
Ball, I., Rutz, D., Battisti, R., Lazzari, C., Retschitzegger, S., Tol, H., Pozzi, M., Bernardi, E., Schmidt, R.-R., Maia-Novak, I., Pauschinger, T., Koschwitz, P., Milin, N., Ziemele, J., Drakovic, F., Polianskyi, Y., McCarthy, L.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Approximately 50% of the EU energy consumption is used for heating and cooling, still expected to account for the largest share of demand in 2050. More than 70% is based on fossil fuels, mostly natural gas while renewable technologies are still very limited accounting for 28.9% in 2023 (if industrial waste heat is considered, this share amounts to 30.6%). The decarbonisation of heating and cooling is especially critical to cut carbon emissions in the building sector. The new legislation package, including the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), also further recognises, through the proposed criteria for ‘efficient district heating and cooling’, the key role of DHC networks in achieving energy and climate goals and enabling the decarbonisation of heat supply and recognises waste heat as an important and renewable energy source. In line with the EED criteria for ‘efficient district heating and cooling’ and the EU policy framework towards 2050 decarbonisation targets (Fit for 55), the overall objective of the ENABLE DHC project is the development of an enabling framework for the diffusion of low-carbon, efficient, resilient and sustainable DHC systems, ensuring the exploitation of low temperature RES and waste heat in local chains (circular economy) and maximizing socio-economic and environmental benefits for local communities and territories. This paper presents the project's methodology, scientific relevance, already running implementations, and expected outcomes.
Keywords:
bioenergy, district heating, sustainability, policies, project, decarbonization
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Sustainability, socio-economic aspects and public acceptance
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.1.26
Pages:
290 - 293
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.1.26
Price:
FREE
