How are cities decarbonising their heat? Find inspiration and detox recipes on our new map!

The heating and cooling sector in Europe is responsible for emitting large amounts of CO2, as well as polluting our air with acidifying gases and deadly particulate matters. This happens because 70% of the heat production still comes from fossil fuels, compromising the health of European citizens and the feasibility of our climate targets.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! We don’t need to burn toxic sources to heat our cities. Cities can detox heat on a large scale by massively shifting towards cleaner, more modern, and sustainable heating systems. Here’s how in 3 steps:

Step 1: Know your heat

The first step to any detox is to have a clear understanding of your system: your city’s heat sources, heat demand and potential alternatives.  

Through comprehensive mapping and planning, identify potentials to decarbonise heat sources and reduce demand, as well as possible expansion or implementation of collective district heating networks.

Munich is a great example of how a thorough heat plan is a crucial step to bringing the city on a comprehensive detox journey. The German city used detailed and consistent databases to map out and identify current heat networks and sources, as well as new potentials across the city. They then made their heat map and plan public, to inform citizens of the best heating systems for their area, establishing a relationship of trust and understanding both with inhabitants and energy providers. The plan is now accessible to everyone online, and it is not strictly fixed – instead, it’s meant to improve upon input by stakeholders and new developments in the market.    

Well, one key element [from the heat plan] is to have a detailed and consistent database for all subsequent planning activities and energy counselling activities, and also to allow informed advice for the general public on future heating systems suitable in their area.  It's essential to establish cooperation with utilities and energy providers and to establish relationship of trust and mutual understanding. - Dr. Tilmann Rave, head of heat planning in the department of energy and climate of the city of Munich

^{Munich's detox mix}

Step 2: Full-city detox

For a more impactful detox that reduces heating-related toxins on a large scale, consider a full-city approach. This means embracing decarbonised collective district heating (DHC) solutions.  

Expanding, developing, and renewing DHC in dense urban areas is the most impactful and cost-effective way of achieving large-scale use of low-carbon energy and improve air quality, while ensuring energy security. 

While some cities are more familiar to district heating than others, no one is too small or too behind to start their journey! In our map, you will find that Silkeborg, with roughly 50.000 inhabitants, has the largest solar district heating system in the world, and that in Leuven, despite DHC being a new approach, it plays a key role in the city’s heat plan, which includes developing new networks.

^{Silkeborg's detox mix}

In Belgium, in Leuven, [District Heating] it's quite a new approach of heating. In Scandinavia, it’s something they know for a long time. So, we're still in the learning curve, but it becomes essential in actually replacing fossil fuel as the main source for heating and cooling. - Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of the city of Leuven. 

^{Leuven's detox mix}

Step 3: Cleanse your heat

Rejuvenate your city’s heating system by feeding your district heating networks with clean, healthy heat sources that are most adapted to your territory.  

Geothermal, solar heat and renewably powered large-scale heat pumps are great sources to rejuvenate your city’s heating system.

With so many options, there are endless detox recipes available, and each city can find out which mix fits them best. Marseille, for instance, has leveraged its geographic advantages, and is now investing in an innovative technology that uses seawater for heating and cooling. In addition, the city makes use of excess heat from data centres, waste heat from sewage water treatment, biomass boilers, and some solar thermal energy as well. 

^{Marseille's detox mix}

What is your city's ideal mix? Create and share your city’s detox mix on social media! 

Be a part of the campaign 

With different geographical characteristics and demographic contexts, and in various stages of their detox journey, our heat map features very distinct cities with one fundamental thing in common: the will to decarbonise their heat!  

If you are already taking steps towards detoxifying your city’s heat, share your story and let it be an inspiration for other cities. 

SHARE YOUR STORY: Submit your heat detox story to get featured on our map.

FIND INSPIRATION: Browse through our Detox Map and get inspired by our CoMmunity stories.

For more information, visit our webpage and follow the #CitiesHeatDetox and #HealthyHeat4Cities on social media.

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