soojusvõrgud

Soojusvõrgud, known in English as district heating networks, are large-scale systems that distribute heat generated from a central source to multiple buildings through an insulated underground pipe network. The central source can be a power plant, a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, waste incineration facility, biomass reactor or geothermal installation. Heat is transmitted by hot water or steam at temperatures typically between 70 °C and 120 °C and absorbed by radiators, underfloor heating or heat pumps in the connected premises.

The concept originated in the early twentieth century in Europe, with the first large district heating system built in Berlin in 1905. Modern systems incorporate advances in insulation, flow control and energy efficiency. In many countries, especially in Northern and Eastern Europe, soojusvõrgud can supply up to 60 % of residential heating demand, providing a complementary or alternative source to individual boilers. District heating facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources and allows for the efficient use of waste heat, thereby lowering overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Operationally, districts typically run on cycles of peak and off‑peak demand. Flow and temperature are regulated by local control units in each building that send demand signals to the central plant. The plants monitor pressure, temperature and energy consumption to maintain stable supply. Maintenance of the pipe network and control systems is carried out through routine inspection, leak detection and periodic replacement of insulation.

Challenges for district heating include high initial capital investment, the need for skilled personnel, and competition from decentralised renewable heating options such as solar thermal panels and individual heat pumps. Policy incentives, energy efficiency regulations, and grid integration initiatives are common strategies to promote the expansion and modernization of soojusvõrgud.