During the panel discussion "Modern Technologies for Sustainable Heating and Cooling" at the Belgrade Energy Forum – BEF 2023, experts highlighted the crucial role of inter-sectoral cooperation and integration between the district heating system and the electricity sector to unlock the potential of energy storage and balancing.

Panelists agreed that new technologies, including thermal energy storage, can effectively enhance the stability of intermittent energy production from renewable sources. Bojan Bogdanović from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), who moderated the panel, emphasized that renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, plays a complementary role in decarbonizing district heating systems.

Key topics discussed in the panel:

• Inter-sectoral cooperation and linking of district heating with the power sector are crucial for decarbonization.
• Thermal energy storage can provide additional balancing for intermittent renewable energy production.
• The district heating sector has enormous potential globally, but the current share of clean energy sources is low.
• Balancing reserves and manageable electricity consumption can address the challenges posed by intermittent energy sources.
• The introduction of carbon taxes and the inclusion of the heating and cooling sector in emissions trading systems are a sign of the need to increase decarbonization efforts.
• Modernizing district heating systems requires strategic planning, renewable energy integration, and compliance with efficiency standards.
• Investing in thermal energy storage could reduce financing risks in renewable energy projects.

Read the complete report of the panel discussion on Balkan Green Energy News.

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