Temperature reduction plays a key-role in increasing the energy efficiency of existing European district heating (DH) systems and, most important, in allowing a higher and more cost-efficient integration of sustainable low-temperature sources. However, technical, economical and legal barriers hamper the necessary investments. Purpose of this study is the elaboration of business models encouraging a substantial temperature reduction in existing DH systems and enabling the transition towards the 4GDH. Particular focus is paid on solutions incentivizing the deep implementation of measures on the demand side to reduce the network return temperatures. The information collected through the review of international success stories and through interviews with stakeholders is used to derive recommendations for business models and propose new ideas for Austrian DH utilities, though the replicability in other countries is not excluded. The elaborated solutions are intended to overcome the main barriers acting in synergy on three levels: 1) customers’ engagement in fault detection and in temperature reduction; 2) financing of fault detection and optimization measures through strategic partnerships and crowdfunding platforms; 3) Energy Saving Contracting, especially (but not only) to solve the split incentive issue in rental homes.

中文翻译：

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开发用于降低区域供热系统回水温度的创新商业模式：方法和初步结果

降低温度在提高现有欧洲区域供热 (DH) 系统的能源效率方面发挥着关键作用，最重要的是，可以实现更高、更具成本效益的可持续低温资源整合。然而，技术、经济和法律障碍阻碍了必要的投资。本研究的目的是制定商业模式，鼓励大幅降低现有 DH 系统的温度并实现向 4GDH 的过渡。特别关注激励需求侧深入实施措施以降低网络回流温度的解决方案。通过审查国际成功案例和与利益相关者的访谈收集的信息用于为奥地利 DH 公用事业提供商业模式建议并提出新想法，但不排除其他国家的可复制性。精心设计的解决方案旨在克服三个层面协同作用的主要障碍：1) 客户参与故障检测和降温；2) 通过战略合作伙伴和众筹平台为故障检测和优化措施提供资金；3) 节能承包，特别是（但不仅是）解决出租房屋的分割激励问题。精心设计的解决方案旨在克服三个层面协同作用的主要障碍：1) 客户参与故障检测和降温；2) 通过战略合作伙伴和众筹平台为故障检测和优化措施提供资金；3) 节能承包，特别是（但不仅限于）解决出租房屋的分割激励问题。精心设计的解决方案旨在克服三个层面协同作用的主要障碍：1) 客户参与故障检测和降温；2) 通过战略合作伙伴和众筹平台为故障检测和优化措施提供资金；3) 节能承包，特别是（但不仅是）解决出租房屋的分割激励问题。