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Projected global energy demand for heating vs. cooling, 1970-2100
Source: Isaac, M., van Vuuren, D.P., 2009. "Modeling global residential sector energy demand for heating and air conditioning in the context of climate change". Energy Policy 37, 507–521.
Key Message: Energy demand for cooling in buildings will overtake demand for heating in the long run.
Breakdown of heating and cooling energy use today (selected countries)*
* Cooling is included for Japan, the US, Kuwait and the UAE.
Key Message: In the countries assessed, fossil fuels are an important source of energy for total heating while cooling is powered by electricity.
District Heating & Cooling generation mix in 2015 (selected countries)
*Japan includes heating and cooling.
No centralised cooling systems are in operation in Kuwait.
Key Message: DHC uses a wide variety of generation sources across countries. In most countries, the share of renewable resources is modest.
Projected District Heating & Cooling generation mix 2030, Reference Case vs. REmap (selected countries)
Based on IRENA estimates
Key Message: There is additional potential for the various renewable energy technologies, in both the heating and the cooling segments. Realizing this potential would increase the share of renewable energy in DHC in all countries assessed by IRENA.
Breakdown of fuel use in DHC systems worldwide, 2014.
Key Message: Most DHC energy is currently provided by fossil fuels, while renewables account for only a minor proportion of the energy used in DHC systems.
Featured
Renewable energy in district heating and cooling: A sector roadmap for Remap
District heating and cooling (DHC) combined with renewable energy sources can help meet rising urban energy needs, improve efficiency, reduce emissions and improve local air quality. Although currently dominated by fossil fuels such as coal and gas, DHC systems can be upgraded, or new networks created, to use solid biofuel, solar and geothermal energy technologies.
- March 2017
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- Energy Transition, Heating & Cooling
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- English
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