Thermal energy networks can decarbonize neighborhoods. Meet the US cities giving them a shot. – Smart Cities Dive

District Energy Systems: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

District energy systems — networks of underground pipes carrying steam or water among nearby buildings — have for decades heated and, in some cases, cooled, institutional campuses, military bases, and densely built urban environments around the world. 

Introduction

These systems often use central cogeneration plants that burn fossil fuels or biomass to generate heat. But a new generation of district underground heating and cooling networks known as thermal energy networks is poised to break that mold in the U.S. as more cities experiment with low-carbon systems.

The Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The U.S. Department of Energy gave such efforts a big leg up last year, awarding 11 communities a total of $13 million to design community-scale thermal energy networks. The DOE-funded proposals will draw heat energy from sources like municipal wastewater and the ground itself, rather than from combustion. One in Framingham, Massachusetts, hopes to connect to a networked geothermal system that since June has served a mix of municipal buildings, small businesses, and one- to two-family homes. 

Proponents envision a not-too-distant future in which thermal energy networks emerge as a safer, more efficient alternative to utility gas service, reducing local air pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in the process. 

“We want to show people as quickly as possible that this is pretty much an ‘anywhere’ technology … that makes sense where the gas system makes sense,” said Zeyneb Magavi, executive director of Heet, a nonprofit involved with the Framingham project. 

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
4. SDG 15: Life on Land

Targets

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems

Indicators

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total final energy consumption from renewable sources
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses the use of thermal energy networks as a low-carbon alternative to traditional heating systems.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article explores the potential of thermal energy networks to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in urban environments.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the role of thermal energy networks in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article mentions the use of waste heat and surface water as heat sources for thermal energy networks, which can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – The article discusses the use of thermal energy networks that draw heat energy from renewable sources like municipal wastewater and the ground.
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities – The article highlights the potential of thermal energy networks to reduce local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in urban environments.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The article emphasizes the role of thermal energy networks in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems – The article mentions the use of waste heat and surface water as heat sources for thermal energy networks, which can contribute to the sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Proportion of total final energy consumption from renewable sources – The article discusses the use of thermal energy networks that draw heat energy from renewable sources like municipal wastewater and the ground.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the adoption of thermal energy networks can potentially reduce the amount of urban solid waste generated from traditional heating systems.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production – The article highlights the role of thermal energy networks in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type – The article mentions the use of waste heat and surface water as heat sources for thermal energy networks, which can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: smartcitiesdive.com