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Digitalization & Smart Choices in District Heating
Smart choices can save money, reduce emissions—and still keep us warm.
As district heating continues to evolve, the industry faces both pressure and opportunity: pressure to decarbonize quickly and opportunity to do so in ways that are smart, cost-effective, and future-proof. In this issue of Hot Cool, we take a closer look at what it means to make those smart choices – whether in planning capacity, selecting technologies, designing systems, or engaging with customers.
💡Rethinking investment strategy
A highlight of this edition is a thought-provoking article on the use of duration curves to guide investments in heat production capacity. Based on real data from Viborg, Denmark, the author presents a compelling argument: insisting on 100% renewable heat from day one may not only be prohibitively expensive, but it might also be unnecessary.
With the right planning, a phased approach can deliver substantial renewable heat now while saving significant sums and allowing systems to scale more intelligently over time. This kind of thinking challenges conventional wisdom and offers a practical path forward for both municipalities and utilities.
Read the article »
🌍 Geothermal goes big
Equally inspiring is a piece from Aarhus, where geothermal energy is no longer a distant dream but a large-scale reality. A new 110 MW geothermal installation is being integrated into the city’s district heating system, illustrating both the technical feasibility and the strategic potential of tapping into the Earth’s natural heat.
The Aarhus case sets a precedent—one that other cities should study closely as they diversify their heat sources.
See how they did it »
📬 Empowering the end-user
But it’s not just about big infrastructure. Smart choices also happen at the customer level. In a creative and promising experiment, Kredsløb has shown how data-driven communication can influence user behavior.
By sending targeted emails based on individual consumption patterns, the utility was able to encourage better return temperatures – reducing energy loss at the customer’s premises and actively involving end-users in the green transition. It’s a refreshing reminder that digitalization isn’t just about sensors and algorithms – it’s also about empathy, timing, and relevance.
Learn what they did »
🛠️ Getting the pipes right
On the infrastructure side, another article delves into the often-overlooked question of pipe system design. In a detailed comparison, it becomes clear that twin-pipe systems offer advantages not just in terms of energy efficiency but also in the overall total cost of ownership. With both CAPEX and OPEX considerations on the table, this technical yet accessible article presents a compelling argument for re-evaluating default assumptions in system design.
See the comparison »
🌐 Digitalization with purpose
Finally, while digitalization as a buzzword may feel overused, the launch of Annex TS9 by the IEA’s District Heating and Cooling Programme lends it renewed significance.This global initiative aims to turn the theoretical potential of digital technologies into actionable results -through collaboration, research, and demonstration projects. Though still in its early stages, the initiative reflects an important mindset: digitalization must serve real-world impact, not just innovation for its own sake.
Explore the initiative »
Altogether, the articles in this issue of Hot Cool demonstrate that smarter choices—grounded in data, driven by purpose, and aligned with long-term goals—can lead to more sustainable, affordable, and resilient heating systems.
We hope these perspectives will inspire cities, utilities, and innovators to rethink how they invest in and develop district energy systems—not just for today but for the decades to come.
👥 Tag Your Peers
Tag your colleagues, share it with your network, and let’s build a community dedicated to sustainable energy practices.
The HOT|COOL district energy magazine is not just a passport for staying informed; it’s an invitation to share, discuss, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!