2nd Policy Workshop - Peak heat loads: optimising grid stability & low-carbon networks
The second chapter of the Synergy Nets Policy Workshop is here!
District Heating and Cooling (DHC) networks have made significant progress in decarbonising their base loads, but the real challenge remains in addressing peak demand. When demand spikes, many systems still rely on carbon-intensive solutions like gas boilers or fossil-fuel backups, undermining efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. These peak heat loads represent the last mile of decarbonization—a critical gap that, if closed, could pave the way for a fully renewable and resilient energy future.
The workshop will explore how to tackle this challenge head-on by examining:
- The impact of peak loads on grid stability and climate goals, and why they demand immediate attention.
- Low-carbon alternatives, including thermal storage, heat pumps, power-to-heat systems, and hybrid solutions that can replace fossil fuel-based peaks.
- The role of policy frameworks, market incentives, and flexibility mechanisms in accelerating the transition to clean peak solutions.
Agenda:
- 11:00 - 11:05 Welcome and introduction: Evan Bernardi, Project Officer, Euroheat & Power
- 11:05 - 11:20 Policy Session: Ruud Kempener, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission
- 11:20 - 11:35 Economic session: Edoardo Corsetti, Senior Researcher, RSE
- 11:35 - 11:50 Technology session:
- Dr. Ruben Schauer, Group Leader Distribution Network Planning, Farunhofer
- Hyacinthe Ménard, Researcher at EIFER and MA in Sustainable Engineering
- 11:50 - 12:05 Case study presentation: Jure Petkovšek, R&D Project Manager, Energetika Ljubljana
- 12:05 - 12:25 Discussion
- 12:25 - 12:30 Closing remarks: Renato Luise, Project Manager, Energy Research, EIFER
