International Energy and Investment Days 2019
Experts from the District Energy in Cities Initiative headed to International Energy and Investment Days in Serbia to present the Initiative, its work in Serbia and globally, learn from leaders in energy efficiency, and exchange best practices to accelerate the energy transition in the Western Balkans.
The conference proved to be quite lucrative for advancing district energy globally. Initiative representatives met with KfW and discussed their interest to invest in Belgrade once project potential is confirmed. District Energy in Cities experts shared that Initiative initial assessments are being finalized and will explore renewable and alternative energy sources, most likely focusing on solar thermal capacity. Knowledge sharing among trusted partners is crucial to facilitating the energy transition and the Initiative is poised as a unique and neutral platform, connecting all stakeholders from private sector to municipal government.
District Energy in Cities Facilitating Green Finance
This high-level conference opened with a panel on green finance mechanisms. The energy transition has only advanced as far as it has because finance flows have shifted to support clean energy and markets have responded with cheaper, greener energy. An integral role of District Energy in Cities is as a capacity builder in the cities who join the Initiative. Our holistic training includes energy mapping, heating and cooling strategies, business model and procurement, finance and investment all while delivery a national outreach strategy on district energy. These trainings lead our stakeholders to be better advocates for district energy and initiate the market for district energy investments. This approach supports cities from interest to implementation.
See more about the panel at the event site here.
Presenting the Initiative in a Global Forum
District Energy in Cities Initiative project in Serbia was presented at two panels during the International Energy and Investment Days. The first panel “Good energy through the heating pipeline – exchange of good practices”, included Mr Matteo Pozzi from Optit and Professor Ivezic from the Faculty of Geology and Mining, partners on the Initiative’s project in Belgrade who presented the exploration of interconnection potential in Belgrade and methods of finding the most optimal solution in the local context. The proposed best option would be to harness existing capacities through improvements and retrofits. Prefeasibility studies should demonstrate advanced ways of making the most of district energy.
There can be obstacles along any stage of a project nonetheless. The representative of Novi Sad heating plant explained that it is difficult for the distribution network to keep up with the city’s development; they have no monopoly and they compete with the gas distribution network. However, they must continue to stimulate and finance the connection to district heating (DH). Instances like this are where the Initiative’s support in developing the market and innovative business models to support the continuation of district energy efforts and accelerate their expansion.
Panel “Good energy through good communication – consumption-based billing, models and tools that facilitate transition” – The Initiative in Action
Mr. Romanas Savickas, a District Energy in Cities expert, specialized in energy efficiency, presented the benefits of the Initiative’s projects in Belgrade and Vilnius experienced by switching to consumption-based billing and the importance of communication with final customers; the advantages of energy mapping and energy performance class; bottom up approach, same comfort level in premises for smaller energy consumption and price for final customers; energy mapping.
Potential Partnerships to Open More Markets for Investment
Partnerships and knowledge sharing can maximize the impact any project or stakeholder may have on their own. District Energy in Cities experts met with KfW representatives and discussed their inputs for Initiative trainings and knowledge sharing. District Energy in Cities has teamed up with the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) to produce a study evaluating renewable and alternative energy sources in Belgrade with a focus on solar thermal capacity. KfW is considering investing in solar thermal assets in Belgrade and District Energy in Cities can provide this study, funded by the Republic of Korea, to advance district energy knowledge and therefore action by reducing investment risk.
The conference was also attended by the delegation from Italy and the Republic of Korea, namely the representatives of Yujin Energy, the company working with the KDHC on the development of a study on renewable energy sources integration into district heating.
The Italian and Korean delegations shared lessons learned from their projects and also met with representatives of the Serbian company Thermoquality. Thermaflex, their sister company, is also a District Energy in Cities Partner, involved in project implementation as member of Expert Working Group for Serbia.
Initiative Study Tours
The Initiative and CTCN organized a study tour in conjunction with International Energy and Investment Days. The visit to Vinca landfill was organized for the Korean team as one of the 5 potential scenarios they are exploring is the possibility of harnessing the heat from the waste incinerator planned to be built there for district heating.