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DISTRICT ENERGY SCHEMES

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Coming In From The Cold

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"District energy is an area gas people, energy environmentalists, technology providers and policy makers will have to pay increasing attention to.

And, as this comprehensive, 80-page report shows, for once they can do something that makes money, is environmentally benign and benefits consumers in the process."

James Ball, Editor-in-Chief, Gas Matters

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What is District Energy?

District energy schemes distribute hot water, steam or cooling from a central source. So customers do not need to install boilers or chilling equipment.

In the past technical and material limitations hampered the development and appeal of district energy schemes in some countries.

This report examines the reasons for their renewed popularity in the UK, Europe and North America.

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Major Changes Major changes have recently occurred in three areas:

• Plant design and economics.
• The power utility industry.
• Environmental controls.

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The Main Advances

• Accurate metering of hot or cold supplies to customers' premises is now cost-effective.
• Pre-insulated pipes are available. Cheap and easy to lay, they are virtually leak and corrosion-proof.
• Highly-efficient combined heat and power (CHP) systems have been designed.
• Restructuring of the utility industries favours more efficient, less centralised power generation and urban gas technology.
• Centralised installations with efficient combustion can meet today's stricter emission controls.
• CHP plants can operate on a variety of fuels, even household waste.

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Key Success Factors

The three main factors for successful district energy schemes are: a ready local market, good technical design and favourable plant economics.

This report provides expert guidance and answers to the main questions associated with installing district energy schemes, including:

• How to investigate your market
• Selecting the right plant
• Designing efficient distribution systems
• Achieving energy efficiency
• The economics of installing CHP plant
• Selecting the right fuel
• Managing Demand Fluctuations

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Who Should Read It?

• National and Local Government Policy Makers
• Energy Marketing Companies
• Gas & Power Utilities
• Relevant Trade Associations
• Equipment and Services Suppliers
• Plant Builders & Constructors
• Energy Environmentalists
• Any decision-maker not looking at district heating and cooling as an option.

For more information, please contact:

Economatters Ltd, 82 Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY UK

Tel: +44 171 613 0087 Fax: +44 171 613 0094 E-mail: gas@economatters.com Web site: www.gas-matters.com

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