Districlima was set up in 2002 to implement, for the first time in Spain, a district heating and cooling network for use in heating, air conditioning and domestic hot water. The energy from residual municipal waste plant providing much of the heat also supplies power to the local grid.
The project was initially located in a redeveloped area of Barcelona that includes the Cultures Forum 2004 (Besòs seafront). In 2005, after the awarding of a public tender, a second stage started with the extension of the network to the 22@ technology district. With a 27 year concession, the network is being extended in line with the area's urban development and new users' connection requirements.
The project is a joint venture between Cofely/GdF-Suez, Tersa (owned by the local public authorities) and other partners, and uses energy from waste plant with a natural gas backup system.
Figure 1: Schematic of the Districlima Heating and Cooling Network
Benefits achieved (Districlima, 2014):
- Residual energy sources are generally used (urban solid waste or others) in high performance energy equipment, thus minimising fossil fuel primary energy consumption
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as it is a more efficient energy solution than traditional heating and cooling technologies - approximately 7,000 tCO2 equivalent per year
- Significant reduction of refrigerant losses into the atmosphere compared to conventional systems
- Noise and vibration reduction in buildings connected to the system
- No visual impact as the system ensures that roofs and façades remain completely unobstructed