Hot ‘ n ’ cold : The WEDistrict project aims for sustainable district heating and cooling
Heating and cooling is a hotter topic than we have seen in recent years . With rising prices for heat consumption , now is as good a time as any to think about cutting down prices – and promoting sustainability .
By Alexandra Kist , Heat Exchanger World
The WEDistrict project is an EU-funded project that brings together 22 partners from across Europe . Its aim is to demonstrate innovative , 100 % fossil free heating and cooling solutions for both new and existing heating and cooling systems . With expected results such as completely renewable district heating and cooling systems , and an open-source decision-making tool , the people behind the WEDistrict project have ambitious goals to work towards . Heat Exchanger World spoke with the people responsible for the project to learn more .
Current status With its goal of offering smart and local renewable energy district heating and cooling solutions for sustainable living , the WEDistrict project actively seeks to cut down Europe ’ s use of fossil fuels – coal , natural gas , and oil . This would bring the continent closer to climate neutrality , and facilitate better air quality in European cities and a higher quality of life for their respective citizens . At this point , the project has been underway for three years . Two demo sites have already been completed : one in Bucharest ( Romania ) and one in Luleå ( Sweden ). A third demo site is being constructed in Córdoba ( Spain ). When asked about the scope of the project , The WEDistrict team ’ s answer is one that clearly expresses ambition and determination : “ 22 industry innovators from nine European countries have worked together on integrating multiple sources of renewable energy and excess heat at three demonstration sites and eleven virtual demo-sites across Europe , to showcase solutions for 100 % fossil free district heating and cooling systems .”
Bucharest site – Romania generally deals with a continental climate , which means the country experiences hot summers and cold winters . Bucharest , the country ’ s capital city , has either a humid continental climate or a humid subtropical climate , depending on where you draw the line . This means that the city is exposed to hot , humid summers and cold , snowy winters that tend to be very windy .
38 Heat Exchanger World February 2023 www . heat-exchanger-world . com