References [1] O. Gudmundsson and J.E. Thorsen. The importance of system boundaries when evaluating the energy efficiency of district heating systems. Danfoss A/S, 2025. https:// www.danfoss.com/en/about-danfoss/articles/dhs/the- importance-of-system-boundaries-when-evaluating-the- energy-efficiency-of-district-heating-systems/ [2] O. Gudmundsson and J.E. Thorsen. “Source-to-sink efficiency of blue and green district heating and hydrogen- based heat supply systems,” Smart Energy, vol. 6, May 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2022.100071 [3] Danish Energy Agency. Technology Data Catalogue for Electricity and District Heating Production - Updated May 2025. Danish Energy Agency, 2025. https://ens.dk/ en/analyses-and-statistics/technology-data-generation- electricity-and-district-heating [4] I. Rangelov, M. Karampour, and T. Lund. ”CO2 Heat Pumps: System Solutions and Applications Mapping,” IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo, March 2025.
Future-proofing: Ensuring infrastructure and building stock remain compatible with long-term renewable-based heat supply. Conclusion Decarbonizing DH offers a key opportunity to rethink how energy efficiency improvements are evaluated. A holistic, end- to-end assessment framework enables decision-makers to capture benefits that are often overlooked, as demonstrated by the presented cases, ensuring investments are not only cost- effective locally but also support the long-term vision of the system. Efficiency improvements can generally be assessed using four impact groups: reduced oversupply, lower supply temperature, lower return temperature, and reduced differential pressure. Expanding the assessment to include more system elements reveals the true effects on efficiency, fuel mix, energy costs, and emissions. A holistic approach for evaluating investment alternatives leads to smarter investments, greater energy savings, lower costs, and faster progress toward a sustainable, low-carbon energy system. The transition to sustainable DH requires a mindset shift, from local efficiency to system efficiency. By mandating holistic evaluations, incentivizing low-temperature readiness, and embedding DH into urban planning, politicians can create conditions that enable utilities and cities to make smarter, future-proof investments. This approach not only delivers near-term cost savings but also maximizes the integration of renewable energy, supporting national decarbonization targets.
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