Exploring solutions for low-temperature heating in Vidzeme
On September 27, 2024, in Valmiera, the first Vidzeme regional working group was held as part of the Green4HEAT project. The main goal was to identify challenges in transitioning to sustainable and green heating in Vidzeme. The working group, which brought together industry experts, municipal representatives, and researchers, served as a platform to discuss the possibilities and challenges of implementing low-temperature heating systems in the region.
The event was opened by Baiba Šelkovska, project manager of Vidzeme Planning Region, who emphasized the importance of the project for the region: "Although this project does not foresee direct investments in infrastructure, its value lies in its role as a platform for dialogue, information exchange, and discussion on environmentally friendly and sustainable heating in Vidzeme. It can give municipalities, heat producers, and suppliers a boost to more actively embrace these solutions and also change public attitudes about the need to transition to greener heating solutions."
Professor Aleksandrs Zajacs from Riga Technical University provided an in-depth technical overview of the potential for low-temperature heating systems in Latvia. He explained that while Latvia’s climate and infrastructure conditions require maintaining a certain temperature level in heating systems (at least 60 degrees), it is possible to gradually shift to lower temperatures with appropriate technologies. He emphasized that by lowering temperatures in heating systems, it is possible to integrate renewable energy sources such as heat pumps, solar collectors, and excess heat from industrial processes.
He noted that the main challenge lies in renovating existing buildings and adapting heating systems. In well-insulated buildings, low-temperature heating can operate efficiently, while in unrenovated buildings, it would be complicated and economically inefficient. “We need to work on divided heating systems where different buildings are provided with heat at the appropriate temperature to maintain energy efficiency and reduce heat losses,” said A. Zajacs.
Krišjānis Upāns, a representative of Gulbene Municipality, shared the experience of a pilot project in Beļava, implemented within the LowTEMP project. He highlighted that the heating system introduced in Beļava significantly reduced heat losses from 40% to 5% thanks to more efficient boiler house operations and the modernization of centralized heating networks. “The results of the pilot project clearly show that low-temperature heating systems are not only efficient but also sustainable,” he stressed.
K. Upāns also noted that in renovated buildings, low-temperature heating systems work efficiently and are economically viable, while in unrenovated buildings, it would be more challenging. He emphasized that such projects are crucial not only for improving energy efficiency but also for increasing the well-being of the local community.
During the meeting, participants agreed that low-temperature heating systems in Latvia should operate at 65–70 degrees, which is optimal for both heating and hot water preparation without risks such as the spread of Legionella bacteria. It was emphasized that successful implementation of low-temperature heating systems requires close cooperation between all parties – heat producers, suppliers, and consumers. All involved must work together to create reliable and efficient infrastructure. Additionally, it is essential to improve the awareness and understanding of end-users – residents – about low-temperature heating systems to generate demand for such systems and encourage the public to transition to more environmentally friendly solutions.
Participants expressed positive feedback about the working group's proceedings and the insights gained. Several participants noted that the meeting was valuable as it provided a better understanding of the need for the transition to lower temperatures, not only in smaller systems but also in larger heating infrastructures. They expressed their willingness to actively engage in further development of this issue. Those previously involved in the LowTEMP project expressed satisfaction that the energy efficiency community in Vidzeme is active and ready to take the next steps to promote sustainable energy management in the region.
The Green4HEAT project is closely linked to the long-term strategic documents of the Vidzeme Planning Region. The Vidzeme Planning Region Sustainable Development Strategy until 2030 and the Development Program until 2027 highlight the region’s priorities in moving towards a low-carbon economy, efficient use of energy resources, and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. These planning documents particularly emphasize the need to promote energy efficiency solutions that would help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and integrate renewable energy sources.