One major accomplishment was the spatial and energy analysis of urban heat sources across the EU and neighboring countries, culminating in a comprehensive mapping of renewable and waste heat potentials. This effort resulted in the REWARDHeat Planning Schemes Handbook and the development of the REWARDHeat Predesign Tool. This tool enables stakeholders to design efficient networks tailored to specific urban contexts, marking a significant milestone for the project.
Innovative technologies were another highlight of the project. These included prefabricated, heat pump-driven substations and easy-to-install, durable pipelines designed specifically for low-temperature DHC networks. Seasonal storage solutions were explored, with successful implementations such as borehole fields and a mine-well. These developments were supported by robust analyses of design, operation, and management criteria, ensuring optimized performance in various contexts.
Digitalization played a critical role, with the creation of a data mining tool featuring advanced graphical interfaces, KPI calculations, and load prediction algorithms. Model-predictive control algorithms and digital twins were also developed to optimize network operations. Additionally, fault detection models were validated through laboratory testing, showcasing their potential for real-world applications.
Demonstration activities were pivotal, with the setup and monitoring of eight demonstration sites. Detailed reports on installations, monitoring data, and lessons learned were published, highlighting the practical applications and benefits of the developed technologies.
The project also addressed the challenge of scaling up low- and neutral-temperature networks. Business models were developed to analyze green value, servicification, and contracting strategies, facilitating a circularity assessment of project demonstrators. Investor engagement was actively pursued through dedicated workshops, leading to scientific publications that detail the findings and financing mechanisms needed to support widespread adoption.
To ensure the project's long-term impact, a comprehensive roadmap was created to promote the tested solutions, supported by replication plans and strategies for property definition and exploitation. Feasibility studies explored hybrid low- and high-temperature networks, while impact assessments evaluated the scalability and environmental benefits of the technologies. A revised Position Paper provided actionable recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the transformative potential of these innovations.
The project also prioritized dissemination and communication, engaging stakeholders through a dedicated website, newsletters, and participation in international conferences. Peer-reviewed publications and the launch of the REWARDHeat Serious Game and educational kit further extended the project's outreach, enabling interactive exploration of DHC solutions.
