Thomas Nowak, EUSEW’s digital ambassador, is stirring the pot with a bold vision: transforming urban areas into circular energy economies by recovering and recycling waste heat. His proposal? A symbiotic blend of thermal networks, heat pumps, and renewable energy sources. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a resilient, sustainable future for our cities.
Nowak argues that efficient heating and cooling are non-negotiable, yet we’re squandering thermal energy like it’s an infinite resource. “What if we could avoid this thermal pollution and instead establish a circular energy economy in urban areas?” he challenges. The answer lies in thermal networks acting as heat collectors and transporters, heat pumps as energy elevators, and renewable energy sources as the clean fuel.
As urban populations swell and the climate crisis deepens, cities are under pressure to overhaul their infrastructure. Nowak is clear: we must replace fossil fuels with clean alternatives. It’s not just a response to climate change; it’s a legal obligation under EU directives like the Energy Performance of Buildings and Renewable Energy Directives.
Nowak’s solution? Low-temperature thermal networks. Unlike traditional district heating, these networks operate at lower temperatures, reducing energy loss and connecting diverse buildings. They collect waste heat from various sources—industrial processes, offices, data centres—and distribute it where needed. Heat pumps then raise the temperature to the required level at the demand point.
The benefits are manifold. Replacing fossil fuels reduces CO₂ emissions and air pollution, improving air quality. Collecting waste heat mitigates the urban heat island effect, and buildings equipped with cooling help citizens endure heat waves. Moreover, these systems can balance the electric grid, acting as thermal batteries. Local energy sources also bolster Europe’s energy independence.
However, barriers remain. Upfront investment costs, regulatory hurdles, and public awareness are stumbling blocks. Nowak calls on cities and policymakers to incentivise modern heat pump-based heating and cooling, making deployment easy and economically attractive. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial, he argues, to build trust and accelerate adoption.
Nowak’s vision is clear: decarbonised, efficient, and sustainable urban heating. The technology exists, and its potential is vast. But it’s not just about technology; it’s about policy, public awareness, and a collective will to change. “Clean heating and cooling is not just a choice – it is the cornerstone of Europe’s energy and climate policy,” Nowak asserts. It’s a bold statement, but one that demands attention and action. The path to sustainable cities is within reach. Let’s seize it.
