District Energy Systems in China: Options for Optimization and Diversification
Introduction
- Publisher: International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Date: 2017
- Objective: To highlight cost-effective options and business models for optimizing and diversifying district energy systems in China.
Background of the IEA
- Established in November 1974.
- Mandate: Promote energy security, provide authoritative research and analysis, and improve energy efficiency.
- Members: 29 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and others.
- European Commission also participates.
- Recent developments: China became an associate member in 2015, with a three-year work program initiated in 2017.
Tsinghua University Building Energy Research Center (BERC)
- Founded in 2005.
- Focus: Developing energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings.
- Key activities:
- Assessing current buildings status and strategic outlooks on energy consumption.
- Occupant behavior and buildings simulation research.
- Research and development of innovative high-efficiency buildings technologies.
- Energy efficiency application research on various sectors.
- Collaborates internationally and publishes the Annual Report on China Building Energy Efficiency since 2007.
Current Status of District Energy Systems in China
- World's largest district energy system.
- Over 200,000 km of networks providing heat to nearly 9 billion square meters of building space.
- Represents more than one-fourth of the total floor area of the United States.
- Rapid urbanization and increasing demand for thermal comfort lead to rising energy use in heating and cooling systems.
- Coal remains the predominant fuel for heat production, but a shift to other fuels like gas, geothermal, or excess heat is underway.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Air Pollution: Dispersed coal boilers in suburban areas are major sources of PM2.5 emissions.
- Policy Dilemma: High prices and limited supplies of natural gas, along with high electricity costs, create challenges.
- Solutions: Cost-effective options and business models for improving air quality and decarbonizing district energy systems.
- Energy Sources: Diverse energy sources and technologies can enhance energy efficiency.
- Case Studies: Demonstrating modern district energy systems using various energy sources and technologies.
Conclusion
- Environmental considerations like reducing air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions have gained significance.
- Cleaner district energy can contribute significantly to mitigating climate change and air pollution.
- Clear policy frameworks and predictable market contexts are essential for cost-effective diversification of heat sources, including renewables.
- Locally-based and tailored solutions are required for sustainable and affordable options.
This report aims to support efforts in China and globally to optimize and diversify district energy systems.
