Overcoming challenges in district heating
The municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân in the Netherlands embarked on an ambitious project to implement district heating, and Danish expertise played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges faced. This article delves into the obstacles encountered by Súdwest-Fryslân, the Danish perspective on these challenges, and the valuable lessons learned that can benefit other municipalities in Fryslan, across the Netherlands, and in all of Europe.
This article is based on a conversation between Johan Sølvhøj Heinesen, Managing Director of a district heating company north of Copenhagen and Morten Jordt Duedahl. Business Development Manager of the Danish Board of District Heating. Johan has acted as an expert during the entire CONFIDENCE programme and has visited Súdwest-Fryslân several times. Johan is known to be a frontrunner when it comes to converting buildings connected to natural gas to district heating.
“Sudwest-Fryslan is on the right track. Starting small but strategically is the key and excluding the other irrelevant factors from day one can create focus and the necessary commitment. ”
Identifying the challenges
One of the the main challenges in Sudwest-Fryslan was a lack of clarity on what technical solutions suited in which areas. When project Confidence began, the national advice was that only 5% of Sudwest-Fryslan was suitable for district heating. The Danish experience teaches us that district heating was the only viable options for many urban areas in Sudwest-Fryslan. The unsureness in Netherlands and in Súdwest-Fryslân on what the technical solution fitted which areas made it difficult to build trust among decision-makers and stakeholders.
“Municipal officials in Súdwest-Fryslân were initially uncertain about how to implement district heating. In some cities, individual heat pumps were considered as an option. However, with Danish expertise and experience, it became clear that district heating was the only viable solution. In Denmark, individual heat pumps are often considered too noisy for city centres. In Bolsward, for instance, a beautiful historic city, the available space would not accommodate individual heat pumps.”
Another significant challenge was the political and regulatory landscape. The absence of clear guidelines and policies on when to use district heating versus other solutions, such as heat pumps, created confusion and hindered progress. In Denmark historically there has been the practice of zoning in which local energy utilities and the local authority would cooperate to designate certain areas for district heating or natural gas.
“Having a rule based on heat density could simplify decision-making: If the heat density is above a certain level, district heating should be the default solution. A method to determine which technical solution is possible is needed to make it easier for politicians, planners and the population to make the right decisions.”
One challenge is the complex time perspective associated with district heating. In Denmark, long-term planning allows municipalities to see the bigger picture while also enabling them to act swiftly on opportunities. District heating relies on harnessing the benefits of large-scale systems and utilizing all available heat, which requires comprehensive long-term planning for the entire urban area. At the same time, district heating planning involves dividing a town into different zones, with each zone undergoing different construction phases. Adding to this complexity, the timeline can shift—one area may develop faster than expected, another may slow down, or an unforeseen large consumer may emerge. All these phases and zones are part of the greater plan.
It is important to understand that this uncertainty in planning should not lead to overly simple or short-term solutions. If large heat sources are available on the outskirts of a town, priority should be given to building pipe networks that enable the use of these sources as soon as possible, rather than (over)investing in renewable solutions for each small phase.
Overcoming the challenges in Súdwest-Fryslân
The Danish team's approach to overcoming these challenges was multifaceted. Firstly, they emphasized the importance of building trust through clear communication and demonstrating the feasibility of district heating. By engaging in detailed discussions and feasibility studies, they were able to show the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of district heating.
Secondly, the Danish team highlighted the need for flexibility and adaptability in the planning process. They advocated for a phased approach, starting with the most promising areas and gradually expanding as experience and confidence grew. This approach allowed for learning and adjustments along the way, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
The value of Danish expertise
Danish expertise brought several key advantages to the project in . Their experience with district heating in Denmark provided valuable insights into best practices and potential pitfalls. The Danish team's ability to share their knowledge and guide Súdwest-Fryslân through the complexities of district heating was instrumental in overcoming the initial hurdles.
One of the most significant contributions was the emphasis on a holistic approach to energy planning. The Danish team encouraged Súdwest-Fryslân to consider the broader context, including the integration of renewable energy sources and the potential for future technological advancements. This forward-thinking perspective helped Súdwest-Fryslân develop a more robust and sustainable district heating strategy.
Lessons for other municipalities
The experience of Súdwest-Fryslân and the Danish team's involvement offers valuable lessons for other municipalities considering district heating projects. Firstly, clear communication and trust-building are essential. Decision-makers need to understand the technical and economic aspects of district heating to make informed choices.
Secondly, flexibility and adaptability are crucial. A phased approach allows for learning and adjustments, reducing the risk of failure. Municipalities should start with the most promising areas and gradually expand as they gain experience and confidence.
Lastly, a holistic approach to energy planning is vital. Integrating renewable energy sources and anticipating future technological advancements can enhance the sustainability and resilience of district heating systems. This perspective also requires acknowledging the long-term nature of district heating as conditions may change over time. A decade or two ago, the idea of deploying large-scale heat pumps would have been dismissed as unrealistic. Today, however, they are a key part of the green transition and help keep consumer prices down, thanks to technological advancements, tax changes, and, most importantly, more flexible electricity pricing.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Súdwest-Fryslân and the Danish team highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global energy challenges. By sharing expertise and learning from each other's experiences, municipalities can overcome obstacles and achieve their sustainability goals. The lessons learned from this project can serve as a blueprint for other municipalities seeking to implement district heating and contribute to a greener future.
