The trend of decreasing thermal energy consumption over the past three decades, largely attributed to the decline of industrial activity, has created challenges for district heating systems in Romania. Many household consumers disconnected from these systems due to perceived inefficiencies and high costs. However, with the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is renewed attention on the district heating sector as a means to achieve emissions reductions.

Centralised district heating systems have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to individual heating systems. By consolidating heat generation and distribution, centralized systems can achieve economies of scale and leverage cleaner energy sources more effectively.

EPG’s planned analysis of alternatives to natural gas in two municipalities towards identifying sustainable solutions for Romania’s district heating (DH) networks. By exploring renewable energy sources together with innovative technologies, such as storage capacities, geothermal energy, biomass, industrial heat pumps, and waste-to-energy.

Alexandru Ciocan

Senior Researcher