The Role of Low Temperature Waste Heat Recovery in Achieving 2050 Goals: A Policy Positioning Paper

Edward Wheatcroft,Kristina Lygnerud,Daniela Leonte,Giorgio Bonvicini,Henry Wynn

doi:10.3390/en13082107

Abstract

Urban waste heat recovery, in which low temperature heat from urban sources is recovered for use in a district heat network, has a great deal of potential in helping to achieve 2050 climate goals. For example, heat from data centres, metro systems, public sector buildings and waste water treatment plants could be used to supply 10% of Europe’s heat demand. Despite this, at present, urban waste heat recovery is not widespread and is an immature technology. Based on interviews with urban waste heat stakeholders, investors interested in green investments, and experience from demonstrator projects, a number of recommendations are made. It is suggested that policy raising awareness of waste heat recovery, encouraging investment and creating a legal framework should be implemented. It is also recommended that pilot projects should be promoted to help demonstrate technical and economic feasibility. A pilot credit facility is suggested aimed at bridging the gap between potential investors and heat recovery projects.

Highlights

The European Commission has proposed that the 2050 target of climate neutrality should become law [1]
The results described in this paper come broadly from three different sources: a literature review aimed at summarising existing policy in Europe, a set of stakeholder interviews, and information gained from discussions with the ReUseHeat demonstrator projects
In terms of absolute numbers, the biggest district heating markets in the EU can be found in Germany and Poland [15]

Summary

Introduction

The European Commission has proposed that the 2050 target of climate neutrality should become law [1]. One important contribution towards meeting this target is to expand the use of renewable district energy solutions. Industrial waste heat has huge potential for helping meet this demand in Europe with an estimated 2.7 EJ/year available [2]. Of the heat and hot water demand in European buildings. Another abundant heat source has been identified in the form of low temperature heat. Around 1.2 EJ/year of low temperature heat is available from urban heat sources in Europe (e.g., heat from infrastructure like sewage water and metrosystems, service sector buildings and data centres) [3]

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Conclusion