Reducing Waste, Integrating Renewables: The Challenge of District Heating in Italy

The district heating sector in Italy is undergoing a profound transformation. The need to reduce dependence on gas, accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources, and improve the energy efficiency of urban networks is driving the industry toward new, sustainable models. Particularly in the North-West and in the Piedmont region, cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants offer a development potential of around 30 million cubic meters—but it is crucial to shift heat production toward renewable sources and circular solutions.

District Heating and the Circular Economy

Within the framework of the circular economy, district heating plays a strategic role in reducing waste and reusing thermal energy from renewable and recovered sources. According to AIRU, district heating in Italy currently covers only 2.3% of national demand, despite a growth potential of up to 21%.

Today, over 3,300 km of networks are active, with more than 430 subnetworks and a significant increase in plants powered by:

• Bioenergy: 757 MWt

• Industrial waste heat recovery: 126 MWt

• Geothermal energy: 156 MWt

• Solar thermal: 3.15 MWt

• Heat pumps: 94 MWt

Digitalization as an Enabler for Sustainable District Heating

Digital transformation is a key enabler for improving the efficiency and sustainability of the sector. Technologies such as IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring systems allow for:

• Reduction of thermal losses

• Optimization of heat supply and demand

• Better integration of renewable sources

• Enhanced management of energy communities

Neta Software Solutions Supporting the Circular Economy

Engineering’s Neta IT solutions support utilities in managing processes efficiently and enabling the practical implementation of circular economy principles.

Neta BTLR – Billing & Transparency

Supports the economic and environmental sustainability of district heating through:

• Digital invoicing and paperless operations

• Consumption optimization

• Reduction of operational waste

• Active involvement of end users

  Discover Neta BTLR – Application Module

NetaSIAL – Procurement, Logistics, and Warehouse

Useful for circular resource management in the environmental and waste sectors:

• Green procurement and sustainable supply management

• Circular warehouse and resource reuse

• ESG reporting and digital accounting

• Asset management with extended lifecycle

  Discover NetaSIAL – Application Module

SDG 2030 Agenda: Relevant Goals

The actions taken in the district heating sector align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy

• SDG 9 – Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

• SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities

• SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production

• SDG 13 – Climate action

Conclusions

Digitalization, advanced monitoring, and the integration of renewable energy sources are the keys to a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable district heating system aligned with circular economy principles. Engineering’s Neta solutions provide tangible support for utilities ready to face this transition with innovative and scalable tools.