Ownership matters District heating has the potential to deliver cheaper heat, greater energy security, and a faster green transition. But whether it fulfills that promise will depend on how it is owned and governed. The evidence is clear. Democratically owned district heating utilities, whether by consumers or municipalities, consistently deliver lower prices. They are also better positioned to make the kinds of long-term investments that expanding district heating requires. Private investors, by contrast, often operate with shorter time horizons that do not align with the economic life of the infrastructure.
The stakes are high. District heating networks are built to last for generations, not just a few investment cycles. Choosing ownership models that align with this reality is not just a question of fairness. It is a question of effectiveness. If we want district heating to scale in a way that is affordable, resilient, and compatible with climate goals, ownership structures must reflect the long-term public purpose they serve.
For further information please contact: msp@brundtlandorg.dk
ATELY, TURE OF T HEATING HAPED BY HO OWN IT.
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