Implementation of an expanding thermal source network as a step towards CO2-neutral industry

This study analyses a modern thermal source network (TSN) currently implemented in an industrial area. The central issue under examination is how this TSN, incorporating renewable energy sources and multiple storage systems, can facilitate the decarbonisation of industrial energy supply. The TSN’s planned operation demonstrates its potential to enhance the sustainability of industrial energy systems by reducing primary thermal energy consumption from 32.5 GWh/a to 19.3 GWh/a through demand balancing within the TSN, whereby the remaining demand can be met by renewable sources. Measurements indicate that during the initial operational phase, the system’s behaviour differs from the originally planned full-load operation. This is due to an excess of waste heat and cold supply: Utilising excess heat in winter maintains elevated network temperatures and enhances heat pump efficiency (seasonal performance factor up to 6), but results in network heat losses of up to 32%. These are regarded as non-critical given the prevailing low load conditions, where not all buildings are yet connected to the TSN. The adaptive, expanding design of the portrayed TSN reveals key advantages for similar applications in industrial energy networks. It also demonstrates the potential for energetic retrofitting of large-scale industrial areas and can serve as a blueprint. • Analysis of a Thermal Source Network (TSN) in industrial energy systems. • Demand balancing reduces primary thermal energy consumption by 40%. • Initial operation shows higher efficiency via optimized heat pump performance. • Adaptive TSN design supports phased industrial retrofitting and scalability. • TSN model can serve as a blueprint for sustainable industrial energy networks.