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IEA Research Cooperation

IEA DHC Annex TS3: Hybrid Energy Networks

Hybrid energy networks, i.e. the integration of electricity, heat and gas networks, can make a decisive contribution to optimizing the energy system. The IEA DHC Annex TS3 analyses the potentials and challenges of hybrid energy networks from the perspective of the district heating / cooling system. This includes the analysis of relevant technologies and synergies, an assessment of the different methodological approaches and tools, the analysis of case studies as well as the development of suitable business models and regulations.

Short Description

Extensive integration of the electricity, district heating/cooling and gas networks, also known as hybrid energy systems, is a key element for the decarbonisation of the energy system. Energy can be transferred from one domain to another via various coupling points such as cogeneration, power-to-heat and power-to-gas technologies. Then it can be directly consumed or stored. This creates synergies, which enable the optimization of the entire energy system.

The aim of IEA DHC Annex TS3 is to highlight the potential of district heating and cooling networks within a hybrid energy system and at the same time address the challenges. The following contents are dealt with in the annex:

  1. Technologies and synergy potentials (evaluation of coupling points, storage and other technologies, identification of use cases and advantages of hybrid energy networks).
  2. Tools and methods (for evaluation, planning, design and operation of hybrid energy networks, e.g. energy system simulations, co-simulations etc.)
  3. Case studies (current R&D projects, studies, demonstration plants)
  4. Business models, legal framework conditions and political instruments (opportunities and barriers for hybrid energy networks)

The primary result of the Annex is a handbook summarizing the results of the subtasks and bringing the national activities into an international context. Furthermore, it is planned to create short summaries for decision makers - an essential element is the cooperation with IEA ISGAN. In addition, an international community will be created in which parallel and follow-up projects will be initiated. The results of the annex are disseminated in different ways, including

  • Website, brochures, fact sheets, lectures, webinars and social media activities
  • Articles and lectures at national and international events
  • Organisation of a national workshop and national summaries

Besides the role of Operating Agent and the management of Subtask B (Tools and Methods), the main focus of the Austrian participation includes the contribution of various case studies from national and international R&D projects (incl. showcase region "Vorzeigeregion") and (co-)simulation methods as well as business models, macroeconomic analysis and recommendations in the areas of market design and policy framework.

Publications

Publications can be found on the German page of the task.

Participants

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Korea, Sweden, UK

Contact Address

Ralf-Roman Schmidt
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Giefingasse 4
1210 Wien
E-Mail: ralf-roman.schmidt@ait.ac.at

International Partners