Sector coupling

Digitalization and networking of energy systems to integrate renewable energies into the municipal district heating supply

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Introduction

Sector coupling measures focus on reducing flow temperatures to increase efficiency and integrating renewable energies into the district heating network of Dresden.

The goal

The aim of the sector coupling measure is not only to contribute to the decarbonization of the district heating supply, but also to establish a model for similar projects in other cities, particularly in regions with a high proportion of district heating.

Smart Energy and Environment

Focus topic

in implementation

Project status

2022-2026

Duration

Friedrichstadt

Area of application

1.2 million euros

Budget

Sector coupling
The most important information

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What are the environmental benefits of sector coupling?

Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energies should reduce the CO₂ emissions of the entire district heating system in Dresden in the long term.

How does the sector coupling measure improve everyday life?

The project aims to provide affordable and attractive living space by efficiently combining different heating requirements.

What are the benefits of the project?

Citizens are involved in the energy system not only as consumers, but also as active participants, and at the same time benefit from the advantages of a more efficient and environmentally friendly system.

How can I get involved?

Citizens are actively involved in the project by being informed about the effects and results of the measure via digital systems. This transparency is intended to promote an understanding of complex energy flows and the intelligent networking of systems.
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Digitalization of the district heating supply

A digital twin of the district heating network is to be created in order to simulate various load scenarios and optimize network stability and heat pump efficiency. To this end, the components of the district heating system in the district will be digitally networked. This enables precise control of the energy flows in the district.

Smart control systems
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Smarte control systems

Intelligent house connection stations (iHAST) are part of the digitally networked system, the digital twin, and play a central role in modern district heating supply. They differ from conventional house connection stations (HAST) in their ability to transmit data, communicate and control remotely. These functions enable more efficient control of heat distribution and help to optimize the entire energy system.

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Sector coupling

In order to implement sector coupling, intelligent house connection stations must be used in district heating systems, similar to Smart meters in the electricity supply. Sector coupling is part of the energy and heating transition and describes the networking of the electricity, heating, transport and industrial sectors, which were previously considered separately. The aim is to drive decarbonization and replace fossil fuels by using renewable energies in all sectors.

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Sustainability in everyday life

By using renewable energies and lowering the flow temperatures in the district heating network, the operating costs for the heat supply are to be reduced. As the cheapest available energy sources are used, this leads not only to a reduction in CO₂ emissions but also to direct financial relief for residents.

Sector coupling
Benefits for the economy

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How does the sector coupling measure help companies in Dresden?

This measure enables the project participants to work together in a flexible and scalable manner, promoting both local and supra-regional solutions and facilitating the transfer of knowledge between everyone involved.

What technologies are available?

Intelligent house connection stations network municipal district heating supply infrastructures. They are used to collect data in order to optimize processes and use resources more efficiently.

How can companies benefit from support programs?

MATCHUP facilitates access to specific funding programs that support companies in the implementation of sustainable technologies and business models.

What network opportunities does the sector coupling measure offer?

The measures were developed in close cooperation between various stakeholders, including municipal and private companies, scientific institutions and civil society initiatives.
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An opportunity for companies in Dresden

This project serves as an experimental field for testing digital solutions for urban challenges such as climate change, mobility and energy supply. The aim is to design the heat supply of the state capital Dresden in line with demand, to control it more efficiently and to enable the integration of renewable energies.

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Improved infrastructure and quality of life

The development of smart districts and digitally networked infrastructures will make Dresden more attractive as a business location. A better digital infrastructure means faster communication channels, more efficient logistics and a higher quality of life for employees, which in turn increases the attractiveness for skilled workers.

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Sustainability and climate protection

Utility companies in particular are participating in the measure, which is aimed at sustainability and climate neutrality. This is not only a contribution to environmental protection, but also strengthens the company's responsible image in the region.

Sector coupling
Project partners

logo Sachsen Energie

Sachsen Energie

 

SachsenEnergie AG supplies around 300,000 customers with electricity, gas, district heating and drinking water.

 

To the partner

Our Smart
City team