Upgrade for Bucharest’s heating system to reduce pollution, heat and water losses

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The pipes to be replaced represent about 22 % of the city’s total hot-water transport route of 472 km. Due to their advanced age, poor network functioning, and consequent high number of emergency repairs, this section is responsible for the greatest heat and water losses in the network.A leak-detection system will be installed which will automatically notify those responsible for maintenance of the location of problems, which will further reduce water and heat losses.In urgent need of rehabilitationThe city’s thermal energy transmission system is one of the largest in the world, supplying over 1.2 million people with heat and hot water. Most of the network is in an advanced state of wear, having been constructed between 1960 and 1985. Over the years, water has infiltrated and damaged the insulation around the pipes and corroded them.As an indication of the urgent nature of this project, the number of emergency repairs increased from 637 in 2013, to 991 in 2018 and 1 274 in 2019. A total of 28.6 % of the heat is lost between the source and the consumer (at transmission and distribution level in 2017).The ailing system is currently responsible for massive water losses. According to the Romanian news websitedigi24.ro, in December 2020, Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan was reported as saying that water losses in the heating system were three times higher than in 2017 (estimated at 10.9 million m3) and were 50 % higher compared to 2019.In addition, renovation work to make buildings more energy efficient, has reduced the demand for heating in homes and businesses. As a result, the pipes are now too large. Replacing them with pipes of a smaller diameter will maintain energy efficiency.A healthier environmentThe increased efficiency and reliability of the system will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuel. The project will cut CO2 emissions by an estimated 195.87 tonnes per year. This will contribute to the country’s goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.Nitrogen oxide emissions are projected to fall by 179 tonnes per year and heat loss by 505 gigacalories per year. Once the project has been completed, gas consumption is expected to decrease by 969.7 MWh per year. Finally, water losses should be reduced by 5.9 million m3 annually.The project will ensure a sustainable and affordable heating system for the city of Bucharest that will help to improve residents’ quality of life.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Modernisation of the district heating system in the municipality of Bucharest” is EUR 330 732 249, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 216 096 393 through the “Large Infrastructure Operational Programme” for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Increased energy efficiency in centralised heating systems in selected cities”.