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The IEA provides support for international collaboration on energy technology R&D, deployment and information dissemination. These groups function within a framework created by the IEA - the International Framework for International Energy Technology Collaboration. The views, findings and publications of these international groups (formally called Implementing Agreements) do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or of all its individual member countries. OECD Member countries, autonomous OECD non-member countries, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and private sector entities may participate. For more information, see our Technology Agreements page.

District Heating and Cooling, including the Integration of Combined Heat and Power

Increasing end-use energy efficiency and expanding use of renewable energy are generally recognised as key requirements for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG), promoting sustainable development and reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions. Often overlooked is the critical role that District Heating and Cooling (DHC) can play in meeting these goals by reducing fossil fuel consumption by facilitating productive use of waste heat from industrial processes, electricity generation, waste incineration or renewable energy sources. District heating and cooling uses these sources of energy for heating and cooling over a local area, with the heat being transported through a pipeline system. It thus provides an effective system for improving the efficiency of energy use and reducing adverse environmental impacts of energy supply and use. District heating and cooling, including the integration of combined heat and power, deals with the design, performance and operation of distribution systems and consumer installations. The Agreement is dedicated to helping to make district heating and cooling a powerful tool for energy conservation and the reduction of environmental impacts of supplying heat. The IEA Implementing Agreement on District Heating and Cooling including the Integration of CHP will launch a new call for proposals for Annex XI in September 2013.


Signatories : Canada | Denmark | Finland | Germany | Korea, Republic of | Norway | Sweden | United Kingdom | United States |
   
For more information: http://www.iea-dhc.org

Current Projects (Annexes)

Annex X. Several DHC/CHP Projects
The following projects have been contracted under this Annex: • improved maintenance strategies for district heating pipelines; • economic and design optimization in integrating renewable energy and waste heat with district energy systems; • towards fourth generation district heating: experiences with and potential of low temperature district heating; • development of a universal calculation model and calculation tool for primary energy factors and CO2 equivalents in district heating and cooling including CHP. The Annex runs from 2010 until 2014.

 

Annex TS1. Low temperature district heating for future energy systems
This task-shared Annex is a co-operation platform in which national projects can be connected.