The technological means to move towards clean, low-carbon energy in cities are many. Moving away from fossil fuels and increasing the share of renewable energy are the big targets. At the same time, the efficiency of existing infrastructure and systems can improve. Examples of this include the utilization of waste heat and for example, utilizing synergies between district heating and cooling networks.

The other considerable factor in the equation is the demand side, where energy use can be reduced through better energy efficiency in buildings. Furthermore, smart energy management can help to shift and reduce peak loads.

The change towards a clean and low-carbon future is already happening and the pace of change is only accelerating. The time for strategic planning and first actions is now. It is those who move early, who will be shaping the future energy business in cities. The rest will be playing catch-up. The forerunning energy market players are actively seeking innovative ways to maximize the use of their existing infrastructure as part of the future energy business, while piloting new business models. The laggards will not only risk escalating the value-loss of assets and ending up with stranded assets, but they will also lose out on the new business opportunities that the future brings.

Key components of DHC as energy system integration hub:

• Multiple sources and technologies in one system;
• Connection to electricity and gas (biogas,) grids and other grids (hydrogen, CCU) and joint load management;
• Heat pumps, electric boilers, CHP, energy storage;
• Capacity to use waste heat and waste streams based fuels;
• Primary energy efficiency;
• Flexibility within the system, flexibility for the larger energy system;
• Optimization at local and energy system levels;
• DH can integrate multiple renewable and waste heat sources, highly efficient transformation and thermal storage technologies, connecting prosumers and decentralized energy and using AI-driven flexibility and demand response services through embedded two-way energy and communication flows between production and consumption points.