Integration of renewable energy sources in the Turin district heating system through the adoption of thermal prosumer

The climate issue needs a global movement of actions and preventions to decrease the harm to the planet and atmosphere caused by all sectors of human activity, including the energy sector, which is a major source of CO2 emissions. The energy transition, in which traditional fossil fuels are replaced with renewable energy sources, becomes one of the critical factors that must be considered to lessen the causes of climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, energy required for space heating and domestic hot water generation accounts for over 40% of total building energy demand globally. Furthermore, fossil fuels account for 63% of global energy use for building-related heating, a 4% decrease since 2010. Almost two-thirds of heating energy is still produced using fossil fuels. Heating systems that are both efficient and low-carbon in nature are becoming increasingly popular. Heat pump sales, a vital decarbonization technology, are at an all-time high, notably in North America and Europe. Despite the fact that heat pumps and other clean heating technologies are widely available and developed, far quicker implementation rates are needed to satisfy the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. The work's purpose is clear: evaluate, starting with real data relating to users of the Turin district heating network's 419 subnetwork, what impact the installation of renewable (thermal) energy production systems, i.e. PV+HP and STC, coupled to network operation has, taking into account the phenomenon of contemporaneity about energy consumption/production. Finally, the results of the simulations carried out are reported, based on actually measured input data. In summary, the potential, considering only the roof-top installation of renewable energy production systems (PV and STC), can make a contribution to the transition towards 100% renewable, but it is certainly not sufficient. Furthermore, the types of buildings that are most suitable for this type of installation are also discussed, and sensitivity analyzes will be carried out to analyze how the scenario could change depending on some key components of the system.