Exit from the ETS system for an Iveco Group Plant: possibilities offered by district heating from renewable sources

Modern industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt more sustainable solutions. Among the most interesting projects is district heating: the study focuses on the technical and economic analysis of this technology in place of traditional heating through a thermal plant in an industrial plant of Iveco Group. The thesis begins with an overview of the global context of climate change concerning the latest reports that framed the problem. Particular attention was given to the European Union and its strategic position in the energy transition through the European Green Deal; in detail, the ETS quota system has been deepened concerning its impact on industry and the need for reducing emissions. After a brief introduction to the reality of Iveco Group and its role in today’s automotive market, a pilot plant was chosen to focus on the analysis for the realization of an efficient project that could lead, on the one hand, to the exit from the ETS system and on the other to the achievement of the company’s sustainability targets. Based on monitoring the primary and secondary energy vectors in the thermal power plant, it was decided to develop an efficient project that would replace traditional heating using a boiler with central heating connected to the city's district heating. A section dedicated to district heating in Italy provides an overview of the energy sources used and the associated environmental benefits. In addition, a particular focus has been made on the system in the city by deepening the power plants that provide the design and the prices that follow for individuals and companies. The project has been deepened through two studies on two different aspects: initially, the technical point of view has been developed, analyzing the connection to the net and the characteristics of the distributed fluid; the economic aspect was then addressed through different scenarios and with some sensitivity analyses. Finally, a chapter dedicated to the project's future explores future challenges and opportunities for implementing district heating. The results indicate that district heating can be an environmentally advantageous solution, allowing the company to achieve ambitious decarbonization targets.