Duration:

October 2024 - September 2027

Description:

The EU’s heating sector needs to transition to a low-carbon future to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable energy. District heating networks are key to achieving this transformation.

By applying Gradyent's cutting-edge Digital Twin technology, we create targeted, fit-for-purpose investment plans that modernise seven district heating networks across five countries. These plans will optimise energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel use, and drive the integration of renewable energy sources.

The project aims to cut 61,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, save 290 GWh of primary energy, and generate over 200 GWh of new renewable energy. The results include validated Digital Twins for each network, improved daily operations, and comprehensive investment plans for decarbonisation. We also aim to influence EU and national policy, share knowledge through workshops and webinars, and replicate our success across the sector. With an expected €185 million investment, the project will set a new standard for sustainable district heating and drive further decarbonisation across Europe.

The project has six key objectives to improve district heating systems:

Data analysis and validation: collect and verify data to create a digital twin of existing systems for future improvements.
Key factors for decarbonisation: Identify the key elements for reducing carbon emissions and lowering temperatures in district heating systems.
Optimisation of operations: optimise system settings and test renewable energy sources to reduce GHG emissions.
Investment planning: develop investment plans to reduce GHG emissions with the best financial and technical solutions.
Best practices sharing: share knowledge and lessons with stakeholders to improve systems.
Accelerating investments across the EU: speed up investment and decarbonisation across Europe using Digital Twins to promote renewable heating.

These goals will improve the efficiency, sustainability, and adoption of district heating systems in Europe.

Expected outcomes:

Optimisation of district heating systems

Heat loss reduction (10-15%) and GHG reduction (5,578 tons/year) across 7 networks.
Primary energy savings (~85,000 MWh) from system improvements.

Future network adaptations

Identify key decarbonisation targets and emission reduction potential for each network.
Set total decarbonisation potential for all networks.

Scenario & feasibility studies

Prepare 15 decarbonisation scenarios with feasibility studies and bottleneck analysis.
Select at least one scenario per network for investment planning.

Investment plans for decarbonisation

One plan per network with 5-10% OPEX reduction and €185M CAPEX investment.
GHG reduction (~61,000 tons/year) and 290 GWh primary energy savings.

Roadmap for investment implementation

Organise 5 workshops on EU funding and develop a funding plan for each network.

Policy analysis & recommendations

Provide EU policy recommendations and host a final workshop/webinar with 150-200 participants.

Engagement with district heating operators

Organise 3 onsite visits, 3 webinars, and participate in EU and national events.

Cooperation with other projects

Collaborate with at least 5 projects and participate in 3 external events.

Training on decarbonisation

Hold 2-3 training sessions and produce videos on decarbonisation.
Train staff to use digital tools for heating system optimisation.

Local events for consumers

Organise 1 event per country to educate consumers on energy savings and reducing emissions.

These outcomes will improve efficiency and support decarbonisation in district heating systems across Europe.

GREEN HEAT LIFE