A Definitional Taxonomy for (Geo)Thermal Energy Networks explores the evolution of district heating and cooling (DHC) systems and thermal energy networks (TENs), highlighting their distinct origins, design principles, and goals. It examines how DHC systems, originally rooted in fossil fuel reliance and top-down planning but growing more renewable over time, differ from TENs, which were developed specifically as a clean-energy solution to support decarbonization and grid flexibility. The authors propose a clear, standardized definition for TENs and geothermal energy networks (GENs) to ensure these systems deliver on their promises of efficiency, equity, and scalability.
HEET, August 2024
Read A Definitional Taxonomy for (Geo)Thermal Energy Networks