O district power creates synergies between the production and supply of heating, cooling, domestic hot water and electricity, and can be integrated into municipal heating systems. Energysanitation, sewage treatment, transport and waste management.
In 2015, the United Nations created a global sustainability goal to protect ecosystems around the world, mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Countries can reduce carbon emissions producing more renewable energy and some of them are developing power systems to expand carbon-free energy supply.
Among them are independent district power systems that can provide consumers with enough electricity to power residential and commercial buildings from a central power plant.
Could this be a solution to carbon neutral energy?
The district’s power systems produce emission-free electricity on-site to reduce distribution pollution and improve profitability. The energy source depends on the Earth’s natural temperature differences to access hot and cold air without generating emissions. District power systems move water or refrigerant through underground pipes.
The projects also recycle water and soda indefinitely, reducing resource exploitation. District power systems are large-scale geothermal units that can provide hot or cold air for commercial, medical and academic buildings.
Some regions supply the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in their central areas with energy from the district. Residents can connect their conventional HVAC systems to geothermal energy sources and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
How can the district power reduce emissions?
District energy reduces emissions by powering HVAC systems without conventional electricity. Most of the world’s electricity supply comes from fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, HVAC systems consume about 55% of the electrical supply.
People can reduce emissions related to heating and cooling by getting energy from the district, which is compatible with electrical HVAC systems. Residents can connect their electric ovens to the district’s power sources and power the evaporator coils without producing emissions.
Electric ovens absorb heat to increase air conditioning efficiency. Freestanding geothermal units can also directly distribute hot or cold air in buildings without using conventional HVAC systems. Reducing technological dependence on fossil fuels significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Adopt renewable energy systems
Communities can adopt district power systems using government funds, as installing them requires high upfront costs. People in the US can help fund installation processes with a 26% tax credit for renewable energy.
Geothermal energy systems can affordably heat multiple buildings so users can pay for their personal power systems by selling excess energy to local distribution companies. Residents of rental properties can also access emission-free electricity by purchasing supplies from regional distributors.
The city of Boise, Idaho, for example, relies on district energy sources to heat downtown buildings. The geothermal grid heats over six million square feet of urbanized land. Boise relies on a clean energy source to create a closed loop system.
Iceland also has an established geothermal energy system with a clean energy source that heats around 85% of local residential properties. Other countries can follow Iceland’s example and develop district public energy systems to reduce environmental degradation. Importantly, district power systems are the most efficient power supplies on the market, with energy efficiency rates of up to 400%.
Meanwhile, installing smart thermostats can help optimize HVAC power supplies and keep common power supplies plentiful. Advanced thermostat technologies use motion detection sensors to divide buildings into different zones. Sensors determine occupancy levels in each zone and adjust indoor temperatures to increase efficiency.
They also access real-time weather forecasts through internet connections. Smart thermostats use weather forecasts to reduce energy waste when the indoor temperature matches the outdoor temperature.
Users can also install light-emitting diode (LED) lamps in buildings to minimize energy usage. These lights consume up to 75% less energy than traditional lamps. They conserve the local energy supply and help other consumers access emission-free electricity. Optimizing district energy with efficiency-enhancing technologies can effectively conserve natural resources.
The benefits of district power systems
Relying on district energy to power global HVAC systems can benefit consumers both economically and environmentally. Renewable energy supplies are more profitable than fossil fuels after people pay the upfront fees and installation costs. People can reduce their utility bills by getting geothermal HVAC power.
Eco-conscious countries like Iceland power most of their climate control systems with district energy. The ability of different countries to access abundant geothermal energy depends on their location, because some areas are more compatible with district energy systems than others.
Diversifying energy sources, taking advantage of geothermal units and additional energy from solar and wind systems, will go a long way in reducing emissions.
By Jane Marsh. Article in English
