Geothermal District Heating and Cooling

Renewable-based district heating and cooling systems can be a key component of smart energy systems and at the same time play a major role in the reduction of carbon intensity in the building sector. Geothermal is one of the renewable energy resources which can be integrated into district energy systems to decarbonise the building sector through the supply of space heating and/or cooling and domestic hot water.

Though widely available, geothermal resources remain largely underutilised due to challenges related to public perception, policies, financing, regulations and capacity. Therefore, the establishment of enabling frameworks as well as development of innovative tools and methodologies could support the accelerated deployment of geothermal energy into district energy systems. In this regard, more effort is required by different stakeholders to promote the increased development and utilisation of geothermal resources, including in district heating networks.

In the framework of the International Conference on Smart Energy Systems, and under the umbrella of the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) wishes to collaborate with the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) to co-organise a virtual event to promote the deployment of geothermal energy for heating and cooling. The event will promote the development of district energy networks as a means to increase the share of renewables, including geothermal energy in the heating of building and the supply of domestic hot water. It will facilitate sharing of experiences and best practices as well as highlighting supportive tools, methodologies and options.

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