HeatNet NWE Project - Onward towards 4th generation heating networks

In this part of Europe, the heat supply by heating networks does not exceed 7%, unlike in Central or Northern Europe, where it can exceed 50%. Fourth generation heating networks are even rarer despite their advantages (lower temperatures for less heat loss, energy storage for possible coupling with electrical renewable energies, networks adapted to new low-consumption buildings, etc.). HeatNet NWE aims to improve the dissemination of best practices concerning the implementation of 4th generation heating networks.

In total, 13 partners are associated with the project to develop tools to facilitate the installation of new generation heating networks. They will be based on 6 pilot sites:

1. Boulogne-sur-Mer (France): two heating networks covered by the same public service delegation for a wood + heat recovery mix from a wastewater + gas treatment station. An extension towards the Nausicaa centre with potentially the use of heat from the sea is being studied, along with a link between the heating networks and the cooling network being created in the port. The two heating networks are also integrated into major urban renewal projects.

2. Herleen (Netherlands): low-temperature heating networks supplied by heat from old coal mines that are now flooded. Several extensions are being studied by the operator Mijnwater, already in charge of the existing one.

3. Kortrijk (Belgium): the city is in the midst of an energy planning process and after launching various studies leading to «heat maps», it plans to create several new generation heating networks

4. South Dublin (Ireland): the authority in charge of energy plans to create a heating network using heat recovery from a data centre which will supply heat to new buildings.

5. Plymouth (UK): the city plans to create one or more small co-generation heat networks to supply public buildings (new or refurbished).

6. Aberdeen (UK): the city is planning the creation of several small low-temperature heating networks, starting with a heating network supplied by an incineration plant.

Cerema is working on the creation of a HeatNet Model, a guide to the planning, construction, development and financing of 4th generation heating networks in communities in North-West Europe. The project will end at the end of 2019.

List of partners:

• Plymouth City Council

• CAP 2020

• Stad Kortrijk

• Intercommunale Leiedal

• Energy Cities

• City of Boulogne-sur-Mer

• Universiteit Gent

• Hogeschool van Amsterdam

• Les 7 Vents

• Aberdeen City Council

• Mijnwater B.V.

• South Dublin County Council

• Cerema