Fernwärme

Fernwärme, also known as district heating, is a system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location for residential and commercial heating requirements such as space heating and water heating. The heat is often obtained from a cogeneration plant burning fossil fuels, biomass, or waste; geothermal plants; heat pumps; solar heating; or nuclear power plants. Fernwärme contrasts with decentralized heating systems such as individual gas boilers, electric radiators, or heat pumps located in each building.

The heat is transported through insulated pipes, usually buried underground, in the form of hot water or steam. At the consumer's building, a heat exchanger transfers the heat from the district heating system to the building's internal heating system. This closed-loop system ensures that the water or steam circulating in the district heating network is separate from the water used within the building.

Fernwärme offers several potential advantages, including increased energy efficiency, reduced air pollution (particularly if the source of heat is cleaner than individual boilers), and the ability to utilize waste heat from industrial processes. It also allows for greater flexibility in the choice of energy sources, as the central heating plant can switch between different fuels or technologies as needed.

However, Fernwärme systems require significant upfront investment in infrastructure, including the central heating plant and the network of pipes. The economic viability of Fernwärme depends on factors such as the density of buildings in the area, the cost of alternative heating options, and the availability of affordable heat sources.

The adoption of Fernwärme varies significantly across different regions and countries. In some areas, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe, Fernwärme is a widespread and well-established technology. In other areas, its use is more limited. Government policies and regulations, such as subsidies for renewable energy sources or carbon taxes on fossil fuels, can play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Fernwärme.