Collaboration in the Local DHC-Chain

Opportunities for Innovation in Energy Transition

The energy transition provides great opportunity to develop innovative solutions where, in the dense built environment, district heating and cooling are being strongly advocated. Traditionally, the energy systems in urban districts have been regulated by a top-down approach. With the rise of local and distributed sustainable sources for urban heating and cooling, the complexity of the heat/cold chain is increasing.

Need for a Bottom-Up Approach

Therefore, an organic and bottom-up approach is being requested, where public authorities have a facilitating and/or directive role. There is a need for a new and open framework for collaboration between stakeholders. A framework that provides insight into the integral consideration of heating and cooling solutions on a district level in terms of organization, technology, and economy (OTE).

Developing an integral framework

This research focuses on developing this integral framework towards widely supported heating and cooling solutions among district stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews, workshops, and focus group discussions, relevant stakeholders in local district heating/cooling of varying backgrounds and expertise have been consulted.

2 Pillars of the Framework

This has led to 2 pillars in a framework. Firstly, the definition of Key Success Factors and Key Performance Indicators to evaluate technical solutions in light of the respective context. Secondly, an iterative decision-making process among district stakeholders where technical scenarios, respective financial business cases, and market organization​ are being negotiated.

Recurrent Interaction and Stakeholder Matrix

The fundamental proposition of the framework is the recurrent interaction between OTE factors throughout the entire decision-making process. In order to constantly assure broad-based support, the underlying nature of possible barriers for collaboration is identified in a stakeholder matrix, informing a stakeholder strategy. It reveals an open insight into the interests, concerns, and barriers among all stakeholders, where solutions can be developed effectively.

Authors

• Niels Schilstra
• Eric Willems
• Reneé Heller