Flexibility and district heating value chain

The principal objective of the project is to investigate the impacts of variety of measures increasing the flexibility of district heating (DH) systems. DH systems are commonly operated and designed using a top-down approach considering alternative heat supply options in investment decisions. However, a bottom-up approach prioritising demand side opportunities and actions could increase and enhance the heat supply options available. Moreover, a systemic approach would support reconciling the alternatives, and emphasise the interlinkages within the DH system and with the surrounding energy system.

Specific topics addressed within the project are 1) the potential of DH flexibility options and their systemic impact in the long-term, including a representation of end-user heat demand for integrating different pricing mechanisms, 2) the potential of flexible DH systems in 2030 on two levels; Nordic energy system level and a more detailed outlook on a specific case system, considering the impact of different weather years is considered, 3) digitalization and its role in improving the operation of building heat distribution systems, integrating economic assessment with technical analysis – a prerequisite for flexible DH and finally 4) combining high spatial resolution and operational aspects into the design of DH systems, considering the potential for flexible heat supply and system operation.

Studying the impacts of specific flexibility measures within district heating from different points of view.