ZHAW investigates fossil-free district heating

(CONNECT) Researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur have presented a comparative study on fossil and non-fossil district heating systems. According to a press release, dispensing with fossil fuels or biomass could lead to more economical heating than with conventional systems. However, the prerequisite for this would be lower electricity prices than have been customary to date.

The costs of fossil-free heating networks are currently 20 percent higher on average. However, a more detailed analysis shows that many costs overlap, according to the study. While the finite nature of biomass such as wood and biogas argues against their use for heating, there are uncertainties surrounding the use of synthetic fuels and the disposal of the carbon dioxide they produce. The researchers also assumed that synthetic fuels will still be significantly more expensive than fossil fuels by 2050.

However, alternatives must be found if Switzerland is to achieve its goal of climate neutrality. An industry survey revealed that only 25 percent of respondents are currently considering a fossil-free alternative. Three quarters of them stated that fossil-free peak load coverage would be uneconomical. However, this thesis has not been verified.

Overall, the study concludes that the hope for synthetic fuels or future CO2 capture would in fact correspond to a "business as usual" approach. The study was conducted by the ZHAW's Renewable Energies Research Group together with Netto-Null Beratung GmbH and financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). ce/ww