Biomass
Spain already has more than 300 air conditioning networks
The Association of Heating and Cooling Network Companies (ADHAC) has presented the 2016 Heating and Cooling Network Census once again. The event took place at the IDEA headquarters and was attended by representatives from various institutions and companies.
74% are 'renewable networks'.
The census has recorded data from 306 networks, 59 more than in 2015, with a total installed capacity of 1,219 MW. The surveyed networks supply energy to more than 4,000 buildings, including residential, institutional, and industrial buildings, and span more than 550 km. 74% of the surveyed networks continue to be supplied by renewable energy, primarily biomass. In terms of distribution, Catalonia has the largest presence, both in absolute terms and in installed capacity.
Among the future challenges facing the sector is the integration of HVAC networks as the most efficient technological alternative and presenting these networks as an efficient option to Spanish municipalities (DUSI Strategies and ERDF Funds). Furthermore, finding financial solutions for infrastructure investment is another important challenge, as is increasing participation in new technological projects. ADHAC believes the sector must also identify opportunities for developing new networks in the coming years and seek the participation of its members in identified feasibility studies and government procurement processes. Finally, ADHAC highlights the inclusion of network projects in the EurFund for Strategic Investments (Juncker Plan).
The opening of the census presentation event was led by Pedro Prieto, Director of Energy Saving and Efficiency at IDAE, who emphasized the importance of the census and its evolution in recent years. Following him, Miguel Armesto, President of ADHAC, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the interest generated by the annual census presentation, which has become a must-attend event for the HVAC network sector. He also gave a presentation on the advantages of HVAC networks in terms of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and wealth creation.
Following this, the Secretary General of ADHAC, Javier Sigüenza, presented the 2016 network census, concluding the day with the intervention of Miguel Manrique, head of the Energy Transformation Department of IDAE, who presented the “Study of the Potential use of efficient urban heating and cooling systems” recently carried out by IDAE.
