Connecting district heating networks allows their heating plants to be used jointly, making supply more sustainable and cost-effective.
Until now, there have been no connections between district heating supplies in different cities. Researchers at the Energieinstitut an der JKU have investigated whether connecting heating networks could lead to cost savings and positive environmental impacts. One example shows that CO₂ emissions are reduced by 15% because waste heat is used instead of gas being burned. The simulation also shows savings in ongoing operations. However, these savings are offset by the high investment costs of the pipeline.
Image source: Screenshot, Energy, Volume 33, 2025 (ISSN 0360-5442).