The importance of heat supply often is underestimated significantly in the public debate. The CO₂-free supply of process heat and heating energy is a crucial prerequisite for the success of the energy transition.
One particular challenge is that there are already a large number of heat generation plants, from blast furnaces to gas boilers. So, there are a lot of players involved already. Therefore, in this research area, we concentrate not only on the technology and economic viability of advanced individual systems, i.e. for the use of solar or geothermal energy, we also focus on heating networks and sector coupling via power-to-heat or combined heat and power generation.
Our research projects show: Connected heat supply systems with cleverly combined technologies and flexible heat storage systems can be an important component of tomorrow's heat supply.