District heating network is a system, by which hot water or steam is pumped through pipes around a “district” to meet heat demand. Heat is produced at large centralised energy centres in a more efficient process than decentralised heat production.
What are the common components of a district heating network?
A district heating network generally consists of three primary components:
- A heat production plant
- A primary fluid transport system
- A substation which delivers heat to customers.
What are the benefits of having a district heating network?
By providing the best possible energy mix so as to keep users' energy bills down, a district heating network can secure stable prices for the long run. It is also seen that district heating is one of the most environment friendly and energy efficient ways to produce heat.
District heating utilises heat from electricity production (combined heat and power production) or waste heat from industry processes. Production portfolio can be mixed between different production forms to increase production variety. Compared to heat production at locally in houses, district heating reaches major economies of scale and scope and is seen as a very reliable way to produce energy. It is also very easy heating form for customer; it doesn´t require any major actions to maintain or use the system.
What are the district heating solutions that Veolia offers?
For existing district heating networks, Veolia can offer:
- Acquisition solutions: Veolia is the owner of the facilities and gets paid directly from the subscribers
- Concession solutions: Veolia finances and provides resources to operate and maintain public or private existing facilities, taking the risk on the management of the assets. Typical duration is around 25 to 30 years and while the assets remain owned by the client during the contract period, Veolia is investing in the assets to create value through saving operational expenditures and/or extending the service to new end users
- Long-term leasing solutions: The customer assumes responsibility for the investments required to set up its facilities and undertakes making the facilities available to Veolia. Veolia is responsible for maintaining the facilities, operating the service and paying a rent to the owner
- Management solutions: Veolia commits to the performance of infrastructure and provides consulting and management services for the installations on behalf of the owner, who is responsible for running the infrastructure
- Operations and maintenance (O&M) solutions: Veolia ensures availability of heating by operating and maintaining, on a long term basis, the installations at a service level defined by the customer.
If it’s a new district heating development, Veolia can either finance, construct, own and operate a facility, or offer a concession model detailed above.
We currently operate 487 heating networks across 21 countries globally.
Want to learn more about Veolia’s district heating network solutions?
In Australia
Please submit an online enquiry to our customer service team or call us at 1800 531 988.
In New Zealand
Please submit an online enquiry to our customer service team or call us at 0800 325 542.