The building heating and cooling sector represents 50% of the total energy consumption in the European Union, with 70% of this energy currently derived from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil. This dependence not only harms the environment but also hinders the EU’s progress toward climate neutrality. However, what if we could heat and cool our buildings without fossil fuels?
This is the goal of WEDISTRICT, an EU-funded initiative designed to revolutionize district heating and cooling. The project unites 21 partners from across Europe to create systems that are entirely free from fossil fuels, integrating various renewable energy sources with cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and thermal storage.
Key Technologies
WEDISTRICT faces the challenge of implementing technological solutions that not only support sustainability but can also be scaled and replicated across different climate zones and building types. The project will integrate several key technologies, including:
- Solar thermal energy: Innovative large-scale collector technologies will be explored, aiming to reduce production costs by 20% to 75%.
- Biomass technologies: Advanced techniques to reduce emissions in biomass boilers will be tested, contributing to cleaner energy generation.
- Geothermal energy: Hybrid systems combining solar photovoltaic energy, geothermal heat pumps, and thermal storage will be developed to enhance energy efficiency in supply.
- Renewable cooling: The project seeks to create technology that can produce cold air from renewable heat sources, making it compatible with any district heating system.
- Waste heat recovery: Data centers will play a crucial role by reusing their waste heat through the integration of fuel cells, enabling heat to be upgraded and electricity to be generated.
- Storage: Thermal energy storage systems will be integrated into urban heating and cooling networks, reducing installation costs and replacing fossil fuel boilers during peak demand.
- ICT systems: IT systems will optimize energy management in urban networks using machine learning, artificial intelligence, and SmartSCADA with GIS maps for better demand forecasting and process automation.
- Other conventional technologies: The project will also incorporate high-efficiency conventional technologies such as absorption chillers, hot water storage, solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels.
Demonstration Cases – Impact in Europe
WEDISTRICT will be rolled out on a large scale in four European countries—Spain, Romania, Poland, and Sweden—with the goal of showcasing best practices for urban heating and cooling systems. Each country will test technological solutions tailored to its specific climate zone and building requirements.
One of the most notable cases is in Córdoba, Spain, where a new district heating and cooling network will serve a building at the University of Córdoba. The warm climate of southern Europe, with high solar irradiation (around 1980 kWh/m² per year), makes concentrated solar energy an ideal solution for addressing heating and cooling needs.
The project will incorporate various cutting-edge technologies, including three types of concentrated solar collectors: parabolic trough collectors, linear Fresnel collectors, and the WeSSun concentrator. For cooling, renewable air cooling units, advanced absorption chillers, and conventional chillers have been integrated to provide a comprehensive air conditioning solution for buildings.
Additionally, the network features a 50 m³ thermal energy storage tank, optimizing energy use. Local biomass sources will also be utilized through the integration of two 500 kW biomass boilers. These boilers are distinguished by their high efficiency and low emissions, thanks to electronic filters that significantly reduce air pollutants. This technology offers a cleaner and more sustainable approach, supporting the goals of decarbonization and minimizing fossil fuel reliance.
What results are expected
WEDISTRICT aims to establish fully renewable, fossil-free urban heating and cooling networks. A key outcome of the project is the development of an open-source tool that will enable feasibility studies for new locations, as well as a portfolio of replicable solutions adaptable to various climates and building types.
In addition, WEDISTRICT expects to increase public acceptance of these urban networks by highlighting their environmental benefits. Through the use of more efficient and less polluting systems, the project will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the overall quality of life for European citizens.
Check the official project video on the link below:
CER’s role in the project
CER is responsible for designing and building a very low NOx emission boiler, making use of new furnace geometries to improve current results. The aim is to bring them closer to natural gas NOx emissions.
CER uses new NOx abatement technologies like catalytic bag filters.
The project serves as a clear example of how technological innovation can combat climate change, not only by reducing reliance on fossil fuels but also by developing a replicable energy infrastructure model for different regions worldwide. By integrating advanced technologies—ranging from solar energy and biomass to waste heat recovery and smart systems—it presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize the district heating and cooling sector.
Initiatives like WEDISTRICT will play a crucial role in paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable, and energy-efficient future for everyone.
