CAfE is investigating New Zealand's first District Energy Scheme allowing heating and cooling to be shared between buildings, making better use of energy.
There are several stages in the process of creating a DES for Christhurch, Expressions of Interest have been sought and received and by the end of October CAfE intends to seek Requests for Proposals (RFPs). The implementation of a district heating and, or cooling scheme is one of the opportunities available for the Central City rebuild following the Christchurch earthquake of 22nd February 2011. A DES commonly serves domestic houses as well as commercial properties. The proposal for a DES is referred to in the Christchurch City Council Central City Plan (www.centralcityplan.org.nz/resources/Draft-Central-City-Plan.pdf)
A DES generates thermal energy (heating and cooling water) at an energy efficient and environmentally responsible central plant and conveys this through a network of pipes to buildings in the ‘district’ for space heating, domestic hot water heating and air conditioning use. As such, individual buildings connected to the DES no longer require their own dedicated energy plant, such as boilers, chillers or air conditioners.
DES have been successfully implemented and operated throughout the world over many years.
They are not limited to cold climates, such as northern Europe, or hot climates such as Singapore, but are readily found in temperate climates similar to conditions experienced in Christchurch, Denmark, UK and North America. Indeed heating and cooling requirements in Christchurch can be more demanding than in places where DES have already been successfully deployed, however demand alone is not the only determining factor of success. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 district energy systems operating throughout the United States.
Below is the information report.
