DanubeEnergy

The project's overarching goal is to develop a complex strategic transnational project that tackles the challenge of inefficiency and fossil fuel dependence in existing communal heating systems across the Danube Region. This project, contributing directly to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), particularly Priority Area 2, Action 2: "To promote energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in buildings and heating systems including district heating and cooling and combined heat and power facilities", aims to significantly increase efficiency, reduce natural gas consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. By developing and implementing a combined system that integrates renewable energy sources (RES) into existing heat supply infrastructure, we pave the way for a more sustainable future for the entire Danube region. 

However, the decarbonisation potential of district heating is largely unused, as a big deal of the heat supplied in district networks mainly in Danube region countries is produced from fossil fuels. The SMF project will lead to significant increase in efficiency, reduce natural gas consumption, and lower CO2 emissions which is in line with the need to decarbonize energy and heating systems in Europe. It will pave the way for a more sustainable future for the entire Danube region, reducing the dependency on Russian gas. 

The project seeks to transform communal heating systems by integrating RES, optimizing energy usage, and promoting energy-efficient practices. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging technological advancements, the project aims to pave the way for a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to heat supply. Additionally, the project holds potential for broader societal benefits, including reduced energy costs, improved air quality, and enhanced energy security. 

Benefits:
- Reduced energy costs for consumers
- Improved energy independence and security
- Positive environmental impact through lower emissions
- Potential for complete fossil fuel elimination for some consumers

The idea of the main project is to discover innovative ways to coordinate the combined heat supply system, which encompasses both central heating systems and renewable energy sources (RES), to meet the specific heating requirements of buildings. These requirements are primarily influenced by the microclimate of the premises, which varies depending on factors such as the behavior of occupants (which differs between residential buildings, administrative buildings, cafes, etc.) and current weather conditions. 

Objectives:
- Develop a combined heat supply system that integrates renewable energy sources such as heat pumps and solar systems
- Implement an automation system to coordinate the operation of energy sources and consumers, optimizing energy usage based on microclimate requirements and weather conditions
- Enable the simultaneous operation of traditional energy sources and renewable energy systems to ensure uninterrupted heat supply
- Utilize storage water heaters and batteries to store excess energy and enhance system efficiency
- Create a technological map of building activity to optimize energy consumption patterns
- Provide training and educational resources to promote energy efficiency and green energy adoption