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Outstanding district heating network performance

In Harbin, northeast China, Veolia is operating and extending a heating network that offers outstanding performance, monitored in real time.
Business case listing

AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY CHALLENGE

Harbin is home to 9.5 million people, making it one of China's 10 most populated cities. It also faces extremely tough weather conditions, with annual temperatures averaging just -9°C. Following the acquisition of a majority stake in Chinese company YangGuang, Veolia won a local-government contract to provide a new heating network in the southwest section of the city in 2007. During the 2018-2019 heating season, 30.19 million square meters had been connected with the networks and served by reliable heating service.


 

REDUCING POLLUTION

The new network has already made it possible to shut down a number of standalone heating plants and smokestacks in the area covered by the contract. Veolia's expertise in optimizing services – particularly through the use of facilities incorporating circulating fluidized bed (CFB) and combined heat and power (CHP) technology – have significantly reduced the emissions of greenhouse gases and dust caused by burning fossil fuels.
 

IMPROVED MANAGEMENT

Veolia has also developed a tailored management system that uses sensors to measure variations in energy use in real time and quickly detect any problems. This has led to a 40% increase in energy efficiency.

Veolia is now acknowledged as a benchmark operator in heating networks in China, where, through its experience and expertise in energy efficiency, the company is providing effective solutions to address the key concerns of local authorities.
Thierry Stievenard
Senior Vice-President, Local Loops of Energy, Veolia China

 

Key Figures

 

44% increase in energy efficiency

30.19 million square meters heated

Customer benefits

  • Reduction in pollution from coal-fired plants
  • Smaller carbon footprint
  • Energy optimization
  • More reliable heating supply 
     

Solutions

  • Management of heat generation and distribution
  • Real-time tailored monitoring system for optimal network management
  • Preventive maintenance program