Integrated tool chain for decarbonization roadmaps and investment plans towards efficient district heating and cooling systems

Introduction

The DHC SwEEtch project aims at providing technical support to operators of existing District Heating and Cooling Networks (DHCN) to prepare decarbonization roadmaps for 2050 and related investment plans within a 10-year time horizon. This initiative aligns with the criteria for 'efficient district heating and cooling' set by the revised Energy Efficiency Directive and the targets set in local energy transition plans (e.g., SECAPs).

Support Structure

The project envisages organizing the technical support required by DHCN operators in the form of a “4-link support chain.” The chain’s links represent the interconnected steps required for properly planning DHCN retrofitting, modernization, fuel switch, and system integration:

• LINK#1. Mapping
• LINK#2. Modelling
• LINK#3. Assessing
• LINK#4. Generating investment plans

Each link will include a specific set of services enabled by the expertise and tools (commercial software and tools from R&D EU projects) made available by the technical experts of the DHC SwEEtch Consortium (IESRD, R2M, RINA-C, EURAC, EIHP, KAPE).

Case Studies

The DHC SwEEtch integrated tool chain will be deployed to 10 Case Studies to prepare 10 investment plans. Acknowledging national geographical, political, and socio-economic differences across Europe, DHC SwEEtch will be based on case studies identified across EU countries linked to Consortium partners: Italy, Croatia, and Poland. This approach allows the project to leverage the expertise of Consortium Partners, who are familiar with the specific national conditions.

Selected Case Studies

• 5 Pioneers Case Studies: Linked to 4 DHCN operators (signed Letters of Commitment), have been selected and preliminarily characterized.
• 5 Replicators Case Studies: Will be identified by M15, launching a dedicated open call to engage additional DHCN operators.

Community Engagement

Moreover, the project will set up and engage a community of DHC SwEEtch Followers across the EU (over 80), built on top of the CONSTRUCTION21 platform, including DHCN operators, local authorities, and energy-related actors. This community will be involved in training and dissemination activities to maximize sustainability and replicability.