Description of the technology
A neighbourhood heating network supplies heat to several buildings in close proximity. As with local heating, the connected buildings are linked to a shared heating plant or heat source via short heat pipes. Heat is no longer generated individually in each building, but collectively for several households.
The technology used depends on local conditions. Options include heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass, waste heat or combinations of various renewable energy sources. Modular, prefabricated system solutions can be used, particularly for small networks; these can be installed relatively quickly and are designed for quiet operation.
By sharing a system, heat can be provided more efficiently. At the same time, fossil fuels can be replaced and greenhouse gas emissions reduced. Neighbourhood heating networks can therefore be a sensible solution where several buildings have similar heating requirements or where individual heating systems need to be replaced in the foreseeable future.
Such heating networks are particularly suitable for smaller residential areas, terraced houses, neighbourhoods, new-build projects or neighbourhoods in need of renovation. In addition to climate protection, they can also boost regional economic activity and encourage interaction within the neighbourhood. It is important to plan jointly at an early stage so that technical, economic and organisational issues can be clarified.
A neighbourhood initiative
Unlike with larger local or district heating networks, the initiative for a neighbourhood heating network usually comes from the property owners themselves. As these are relatively small networks, the first step is to establish a group of committed individuals in the neighbourhood who can pool interest, initiate discussions and win over other property owners to the project.
The city of Dresden, STESAD, a suitable energy supplier, and specialist planning and installation firms can then provide advisory, organisational and technical support. However, this requires that there is a fundamental desire within the neighbourhood to explore a shared heating supply.
It is precisely this early phase that often poses the greatest challenge: information must be gathered, trust built, expectations clarified and sufficient support for a shared solution secured. A neighbourhood heating network is therefore not just a technical project, but also a collaborative process.
Contact person
Do you have any questions about neighbourhood heating networks, or would you like to know whether a shared heating supply is generally possible in your neighbourhood? Perhaps you and your neighbours have already come up with some initial ideas, specific plans or even reached a joint decision – and you would now like to find out what the next steps might be.
If so, please feel free to contact the Energy Advisor by email.
