System Level Planning of Heat Production Technologies

This chapter presents a cost-based approach to the planning of District Heating Networks (DHN), as well as its evolution over time. This is highly linked to the cost of energy carriers; performance of production technologies; number, availability and priority of production plants, as well as energy tariffs offered to consumers. An overview of the economic structure of a DHN is presented, covering all these aspects, including the share of operational and investment costs for each technology, as well as the impact of the reduction of supply temperature associated to LTDH in these items. As an exemplary case, the described components are identified and analysed for the long-term energy planning of a DHN in Tartu, Estonia. Lastly, a summary of the topics is provided including the main takeaways for DH stakeholders who may want to transition their DHN to a LT/ULTDH network.