District heating supply transformation – strategies, measures, and status quo of network operators' transformation phase.

Several cities are currently developing strategies in order to lower the emissions of their building heat supply to zero. Nevertheless, up to now there is no heat transformation guideline addressing questions such as the steps required to develop a transformation strategy and their order, the maturity levels of transformation strategies, or existing transformation measures and a viable methodology to compare these. In this research, based on scientific findings of optimal system design, connected with the practical experience of relevant stakeholders, who are involved in the transformation process, these questions are addressed focusing on district heating. The developed overview matrix for district heating transformation measures, arranging these in the criteria transformation target and point of effect, has been shown to facilitate the discussion of transformation measures. Prioritizing the measures should be based on a utility analysis, in which the results are depicted in an adapted Eisenhower matrix. The developed transformation strategy guideline and maturity definitions helped to assess the next required steps to further develop the strategy. Currently most district heating operators are still in a low transformation strategy maturity (step 2 out of 5). • Concept of District Heating Competence Network. • Structuration and prioritization method for transformation measures. • Development of a detailed transformation strategy guideline. • Maturity evaluation of transformation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]