Oosterhout, Stef A. van (2023) Extracting thermal energy from city canals. Master thesis.
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Abstract
The energy transition has become a vital response to tackle the pressing challenge of global warming. Recognizing its crucial significance, diverse national and local efforts have been initiated to reduce CO2 emissions and shift towards sustainable energy sources. In line with these efforts, the municipality of Groningen has developed a heat transition plan for its inner city, which consists of a hybrid approach to address the heating needs. However, this approach highlights the need for tailored solutions to overcome the unique challenges posed by the protected status of historical buildings, particularly concerning insulation, and subsequent heating difficulties. Surface water thermal energy systems offers the potential to meet the heating demand by using the presence of surface water in the form of city canals to heat historical buildings. The purpose of this research is to understand the opportunities and barriers related to using surface water thermal energy systems for heating historical buildings in Groningen's city center from a transition and innovation theory perspective. The data collection analysis was accomplished through a literature review, open interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. Results show that successful implementation of SWTE systems requires careful consideration of technical and spatial requirements, including compatibility with historical buildings, availability of subsurface space, and involvement of key stakeholders. The complexity involved means that only large organizations or collective groups are equipped for the implementation of SWTE. While SWTE has successfully met the heat demand in a provincial government building, relying solely on this technology is not feasible due to the limited maturity of the innovation. Overall, SWTE implementation in Groningen is constrained by spatial and technical factors but can be feasible if these are carefully considered, water is heated collectively, and the system will be part of a larger heating system.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Kann, F.M.G. van |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Nov 2023 10:12 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Nov 2023 10:12 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4423 |
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