The modernization and streamlining of Bucharest’s district heating system remain a key priority, with strategic investments playing a crucial role in ensuring its sustainability and efficiency.
At the SET HEAT workshop organized this week by C.M. Termoenergetica București as part of the European project “Supporting energy transition and decarbonization in the central heat sector,” discussions centered on the necessity of coordinated investments to secure the future of centralized heating. ELCEN emphasized that a well-planned approach can transform district heating into a modern and viable solution for the city.
One of the highlighted investment projects includes the development of three new CHP plants, backed by €362 million in non-reimbursable EU funding from the Modernization Fund. However, despite securing European funds, the successful implementation of these projects depends on securing co-financing. This underscores the urgency for Bucharest City Hall to find a solution to settle Termoenergetica’s outstanding debt to ELCEN.
The modernization of CHP plants must go hand in hand with the rehabilitation of Bucharest’s thermal networks to ensure long-term efficiency. These interconnected upgrades are essential for optimizing system performance and delivering sustainable district heating services.
Referring to the necessary upgrades, Claudiu Crețu, General Director of ELCEN, stated, “If investments are properly planned and well-directed, district heating can become a modern and future-proof solution for Bucharest.”
Drawing comparisons with other European capitals, the workshop highlighted successful modernization efforts in cities like Copenhagen, Vienna, and Stockholm, demonstrating that Bucharest can follow a similar path.
Adding to the discussion, Lars Hummelmose, General Director of the Danish Board of District Heating, shared insights into Denmark’s district heating system, which has evolved over more than a century into one of the most efficient and sustainable in the world. He attributed this success to clear public policies, strategic investments, and a gradual transition to renewable energy sources.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
- The mobilization of all stakeholders is crucial for the strategic development and modernization of district heating systems.
- Investments should focus on integrating all available resources, including renewable and residual heat sources.
- Creating sustainable local ecosystems will be key to ensuring a resilient and future-proof district heating sector.
About SET HEAT
SET HEAT is a European project funded by the LIFE Programme for Environment and Climate Action’s Clean Energy Transition subprogram. The project is coordinated by the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice and brings together a consortium of 12 partners from five countries: Croatia, Lithuania, Denmark, Poland, and Romania.
The project runs for 36 months, from October 2023 to September 2026, with the goal of accelerating the energy transition and decarbonization of the district heating sector in four Eastern European countries: Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Croatia.
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