Circularity characterizes low-temperature district energy business models

• DOI: 10.1016/j.segy.2024.100132
• Publication Date: 2024-02-08T08:19:36Z
• Authors: Kristina Lygnerud; Nathalie Fransson
• Keywords: Circular Economy; Business as usual; Energy supply; Business case

This study has been undertaken to understand whether business models for heating, cooling and hot water can be categorized as circular. The addresses the case of new, combustion-free technology by resorting low-temperature district energy. Such systems necessitate smart infrastructure with efficient demand supply matching ensuring most cost-efficient use heat over time. By studying 10 cases in a research project period stretching across 3 years, it is identified that all display circular economy features, categories reuse, reduce recycle. category reverse logistics only 7 where energy circulated within networks. integration excess exhibits particularly strong circularity case, covering four dimensions. low temperature is, however, not free, but comes at cost compared conventional combustion-based technology, new key resources consequential investments are needed. major conclusion inherently circular, an important information European policy making fostering transition.