Potential diffusion of renewable-based 3GDH and 4GDH assessment through energy mapping : a case study in Milano

This work aims at developing a potential analysis of the diffusion of renewable-based low temperature district heating systems, through the mapping of energy demand, renewable and waste heat sources using the Italian city of Milano as a demonstrative case study. This analysis starts from the question to seek what would be the future sustainability of district heating in the framework of the foreseen scenario of building refurbishment and consequent reduction of heat demand. District heating has proven to be a recognised way to efficiently distribute renewable energy in dense urban areas. But the feasibility of this energy system is questioned in case of low heat demand and scarce availability of waste heat sources. Milano is a densely populated city, with an intense energy demand, where district heating has a low market share (