Abstract Body

This research explores the implementation of large-scale district heating (DH) networks in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki in order to draw lessons on how to implement efficient DH networks at scale. The heating sector has the largest share of energy consumption globally, which accounts for a third of global carbon emissions. Due to its strong dependency on fossil fuels and the low cost of implementing individual heating systems, such as gas boilers, it is considered to be one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.

DH has the potential to deliver on decarbonisation and renewable energy targets in the heating sector. Its capacity to use a wide variety of low carbon heat sources, such as industrial waste heat, ocean and river source heat, solar thermal and geothermal heat, is seen as a major advantage in increasing supply diversity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It contributes to more efficient energy use, reduces carbon emissions and is the cheapest method of providing heat in many high-density cities.

This research seeks to provide insights into how cities implement large scale DH networks with a view to finding best practices and effective measures that can overcome the main barriers limiting the uptake of DH networks. The implementation strategies of DH networks in the case study cities are described and key success factors as well as weaknesses are examined. Drawing on socio-technical transitions literature, this research analyses the institutional, political and implementation strategies integral to the delivery of efficient DH networks. It employs a multi-case study approach using qualitative methods to explore DH network implementation from a socio-technical perspective.

The findings revealed that the implementation of efficient DH networks can be achieved through certain key success factors which include various organisational, technical, social, political and design considerations. Also, heat networks will only deliver increased energy efficiency and climate mitigation objectives if properly designed, implemented and managed. This research will be useful for actors seeking to implement DH to identify strategic directions towards the implementation of efficient DH networks.