kaukolämpölaitos

A kaukolämpölaitos, or district heating plant, is a facility that produces heat and distributes it to a network of buildings. This heat is typically generated by burning fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, or biomass, or through processes like waste incineration or utilizing waste heat from industrial operations. The heated water or steam is then circulated through underground insulated pipes to homes, businesses, and public institutions within a defined service area.

The primary benefit of a district heating system is its efficiency and potential for environmental improvement. By centralizing heat production, it can achieve economies of scale, leading to lower energy costs. Furthermore, district heating plants can often employ more advanced pollution control technologies than individual building boilers, and they can more easily incorporate diverse and renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering overall emissions.

The system involves a production plant, a distribution network of pipes, and substations in each connected building. These substations transfer the heat from the district heating network to the building's internal heating and hot water systems. The entire process is monitored and controlled to ensure consistent and reliable heat supply. District heating is a common and established energy infrastructure in many parts of the world, particularly in colder climates.