Energía en Red: Sostenibilidad para el Futuro

Grid Energy: Sustainability for the Future

District energy, also known as grid energy or urban energy, is an innovative approach to energy delivery that seeks to harness synergies and efficiencies through centralized production and distribution systems. Instead of each building or unit having its own independent energy system, district energy uses a shared infrastructure to supply heat, electricity, or both to multiple users in a given area.
District energy can encompass different energy sources and services, such as heating, cooling, electricity and domestic hot water. District energy systems are designed to meet energy needs efficiently and sustainably, using advanced technologies and strategies.
The district energy concept promotes the optimization and diversification of energy sources, allowing local and renewable resources to be used to the extent possible. By centralizing energy production and distribution, greater efficiency is achieved compared to individual systems, reducing energy losses and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, district energy offers flexibility and adaptability to the changing needs of a community. It can integrate various innovative technologies and solutions, such as cogeneration, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, biomass and energy storage, to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply.
In short, district energy is a smart and efficient way to supply energy to multiple users within a given area. By taking advantage of centralization, resource optimization and diversification of energy sources, energy sustainability, emissions reduction and efficient use of available resources are promoted.


How do we apply the use of this energy?

There are several examples of district energy systems used in different parts of the world. Here are some common examples:

1. District heating with biomass boilers: In this system, biomass, such as wood chips or pellets, is used as a fuel source for central boilers. The heat generated is distributed through a network of pipes to buildings within an urban area, providing heating to multiple users.

2. Cogeneration: Cogeneration systems, also known as combined heat and power systems, generate heat and electricity simultaneously. The waste heat produced during electricity generation is used to heat nearby buildings through a distribution network.

3. Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is used to provide heat through district heating systems. Heat is captured from underground using geothermal heat pumps, and then distributed through a network of pipes to buildings connected to the system.

4. Solar thermal energy: Solar thermal energy systems can be used to provide heat in district heating systems. Solar thermal panels are used to capture energy from the sun and heat a fluid that is then distributed through a network of pipes to users.

5. Seawater heating and cooling: In some coastal areas, seawater is used as a source of heat and cooling for district heating systems. A heat exchanger is used to extract heat or cold from seawater and distribute it through a network of pipes.

These are just a few examples of district energy systems used in different parts of the world. Each of them has its own advantages and technical considerations, but they all share the goal of providing efficient and sustainable heating to multiple users in urban areas.

How implemented is district energy?

Several countries have adopted district energy systems as an efficient and sustainable way to supply energy to their cities. Below are some countries that stand out for having extensive district energy implementation:

- Denmark: It is recognized worldwide for its leadership in district energy. Cities such as Copenhagen and Aarhus have developed extensive district heating networks using renewable energy sources such as biomass, geothermal and waste energy.

- Sweden: It is another pioneer country in the use of district energy. The city of Stockholm, for example, has a district heating network that uses waste energy from wastewater treatment plants and power plants.

- Finland: It has also implemented district energy systems in several cities, such as Helsinki and Espoo. These systems harness renewable energy sources, such as biomass and geothermal, to provide heating and cooling to residential and commercial buildings.

- Norway: Has developed district energy systems in cities such as Oslo and Bergen. These systems use a combination of renewable energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal energy and solar thermal energy, to provide heating and cooling to buildings.

- Canada: Cities such as Vancouver and Toronto have implemented district energy systems to provide heating and cooling to buildings in densely populated areas. These systems use a combination of energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal energy and waste energy, to minimize environmental impact and increase energy efficiency.

These countries are leading examples of implementing district energy, but it is important to note that there are many other countries that are also adopting this approach to achieve greater energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in their cities.

Chile, as a country, proposed goals for the year 2030 to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy. For this reason, in our country, projects based on renewable energy are being supported much more than before. One of the most used energies in Chile is thermal energy, however, it is obtained by burning different materials or fuels, so its emission is still considerable. Through district energy we could take advantage of this same energy, but to supply a greater number of people, which would make current systems more efficient in terms of satisfying needs.

Wind energy has been implemented more in recent years in Chile. By installing wind farms throughout the country, we managed to make this energy a reliable source to supply ourselves.

Although on a smaller scale, Chile also develops geothermal energy projects that can be used for electricity generation and heating. Chile has a soil rich in thermal energy thanks to the different volcanoes present throughout its territory, so we must know how to take advantage of the natural resources that we have at our disposal to direct our country towards the underdeveloped countries mentioned above.

As we saw, district energy can be used with any power generation system to make it more efficient. Therefore, it is important that current projects contemplate the implementation of district energies.

A basic example of how this energy would work is by establishing what type of energy generation will be used (biomass plants, geothermal sources, hydroelectric, cogeneration, etc.) with the objective of supplying heat, electricity or both to a distribution network. Then, distribution networks would be established through which energy would be delivered to the substations. These may be steam or hot water pipes, cables or ducts, depending on the type of energy to be supplied. Throughout the distribution network, substations would be installed at the points where the entities that will receive the service could be connected. In these stations, the energy would be transformed to be used, in case it needs to be adapted, as is the case with electrical energy. Finally, the energy would be supplied to end users, such as residential, commercial, institutional or industrial buildings, through the distribution network.

District energy also involves a centralized management and control system. This allows the energy flow to be monitored and regulated in real time, ensuring an efficient and balanced supply according to user demands and weather conditions.
In conclusion, district energy is a smart and efficient solution for energy supply in urban areas. By optimizing resources, diversifying energy sources and implementing advanced technologies, we can achieve greater energy efficiency, reduce emissions and efficiently use available resources. By following the examples of countries that have successfully implemented district energy, we can drive sustainable development and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

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