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Prospects for district heating in the United States
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 11, 1977
Summary
Large-scale district heating systems can significantly reduce U.S. fossil fuel consumption for heating. This analysis shows district heat is technically feasible and economically attractive for widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Significant fossil fuel consumption for residential and commercial space/water heating in the U.S.
- Availability of waste heat from electric power plants and other industrial sources.
- Need for sustainable and cost-effective heating solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the technical and economic viability of large-scale district heating in the U.S.
- To project the potential national service levels for district heating.
- To assess the cost-competitiveness of district heating compared to existing and emerging energy forms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of technical and economic aspects of model district heating systems.
- Case studies for nine U.S. urban areas.
- National-level projections of service capacity and cost.
Main Results:
- District heat service is economically attractive for residential and commercial consumers.
- Up to 50% of the U.S. population could be served by district heating.
- District heating costs are competitive with imported oil and projected new energy forms.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale district heating is a technically sound and economically viable strategy for reducing U.S. fossil fuel use.
- District heating offers a proven, simple technology with significant potential for widespread implementation.
- This approach presents a cost-effective alternative to current and future heating energy sources.
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