Heat Production and Distribution: Transmitted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Abstract

This chapter discusses heat production and distribution. Heat and power supply systems are a major source of thermal and air pollution, and have significant energy losses associated with them. Until present, such systems have mostly been operated separately. Cogeneration of heat and power is, therefore, one way of achieving significant environmental benefits. Industrial and other markets for process heat differ substantially from the district heating market. Specifications of the heat demand are individual and may differ in terms of temperatures and quantities, load curves, etc. New considerations of wider social interest are reflected in emerging energy policies and in the concern about effects on local, national, and global climate; human health; and the environment, both man-made and natural. This is illustrated by tax rebates now contained in US government programs. Parallel interests in energy policy and environmental policies are predominant as far as the energy-saving aspects of district heating is concerned.