The urban heat metabolism: The politics of source, profit, and scale

Energy transition debates too often conceal the political ecology of the urban heat transition; they do not explain the politics underlying the shift to post- or low-carbon heating systems. As a residue of commonplace activities within urbanized environments, the ecology of heat is, in fact, highly distinctive. To unveil the politics of the urban heat transition, this paper develops and uses the concept of urban heat metabolism: the politically shaped, territorially bounded, and institutionally regulated system of heat stocks, flows, and infrastructures. A close look at the urban heat metabolism exposes the intricate politics—of source, profit, and scale—driving the heat transition. Applying this lens to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region reveals the potential of new heating technologies to politicize and decentralize heat politics, challenging the dominance of large-scale gas and waste-powered systems, and triggering a public-led response that favors public ownership and stronger regulatory oversight.