District heating and cooling networks
Heating networks are highly efficient energy distribution systems that provide low-cost, low-carbon thermal energy to local communities.
We guide clients through the entire process of developing and implementing district energy solutions, providing a range of design, technical and advisory services.
Arup has a strong track record in advising investors, developers, and policymakers on the strategic, commercial, and technical case for developing and investing in district heating and cooling networks. We have worked with local government on many projects in both a technical and commercial advisory capacity.
Our multidisciplinary expertise traverses all elements of district energy, including combined heating and power, district heating and cooling, waste heat, ground and air source heat pumps, biomass, low temperature heat and building retrofit.
We are adept at mapping decarbonisation pathways, helping clients’ secure funding and investment, developing feasibility studies, and performing technical due diligence. Our clients range from university campuses to some of the largest cities in the world, and we help all of which implement future proof solutions that focus on long term sustainability, expansion and financing.
Hong Kong is iconic for its unique subtropical high rise/high density urban built environment, with a strong demand on air conditioning.
To reduce the overall air-conditioning energy consumption in the 320-hectare new urban development following the relocation of the Kai Tak airport to the city centre, the Hong Kong government has taken the lead in planning a first-of-its-kind seawater district cooling system (DCS). Arup has worked with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), from concept to implementation for 20 years, bringing one of the most important sustainable infrastructure programmes to the city in order to realise the Hong Kong government’s sustainability vision.
Arup’s involvement in the DCS project began in 1999. Our sustainability, building services and civil engineers initially researched the benefits that could be achieved through a DCS. We were then involved in the installation of electrical and mechanical equipment in the plant rooms, seawater pump house and DCS substation for the buildings.
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Projects
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Early-stage advice on the foundation design for a Scotland offshore substation
Stoura Offshore Wind Farm, UK
Supporting the successful delivery of Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm
Project Thor, Denmark
Developing a sustainable biomethane fuel production plant in Spain
Biomethane Initiatives JV – Noez Plant, Spain
First hillside solar plant in the Philippines
Cayanga Hillside Solar Farm, Philippines
Integrated energy systems
Arup is working with clients to design and develop resilient, integrated energy systems that guarantee energy security for the billions that depend on them.