This is where the CO2 neutral city starts

Utilizing energy system synergies and exploiting energy efficiency results in a reduction in primary energy of 13% compared to a ‘conventionally decarbonized’ scenario in 2050. And it reduces total energy system costs by approximately 70 bn EUR per year.

4th generation district heating operating with low temperatures could lead to primary energy savings of around 120 TWh/year and cost savings of up to 6 bn EUR/year in the HRE scenario. It will also enable the integration of low-carbon energy sources, such as waste heat and geothermal.

With the right balance between investments in end-user savings and
investments in decarbonized energy supply, an affordable decarbonization
is possible by reducing space-heating demands by 30%.

By improving the energy efficiency of district energy systems and moving from a supply to a demand-driven system with automatic controls, savings of up to 40% can be achieved. Exact pressure-, temperature- and flow control minimizes heat losses and optimizes network operation.

Setting ambitious targets, ensuring a level playing field for different solutions and securing finance, are some of the elements the policy framework should cover. Absolutely crucial is the collection of data and the making of detailed plans for how to decarbonize heating and cooling.