New approaches to heat energy systems development

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of the current state and prospects for of centralized heat supply systems development in urban agglomerations has been carried out. The structure of heat energy production and distribution and technical and operational features of thermal power plants have been considered in detail. Key issues that hinder the effective functioning of district heating have been identified. The main challenges include a high degree of equipment wear, low energy efficiency, lack of accurate heat consumption accounting systems, as well as significant losses during energy transportation. Special attention has been paid to the analysis of the existing problems causes and possible ways to solve them. Strategies for modernizing heating networks have been studied, including the need for large investments, tariff regulation reform, and the organizational and legal mechanisms implementation for redistributing costs between heat and electric energy during cogeneration. The expediency of creating urban utilities and regional heat pools as effective forms of heat supply management has been argued. The need for government support has been emphasized, especially during the transition to a market-based model of the industry. Specific measures for energy conservation and energy efficiency improvement have been given, including heat supply systems optimization, equipment modernization, new technologies implementation, and fuel costs reduction.