Decarbonising Berlin's extensive heat network is the core aim of Vattenfall's innovative smart district heating programme. This project addresses the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels in urban heating, a significant contributor to carbon emissions. The initiative focuses on digitally optimising Berlin's 2,000 km heat network, one of the largest in Europe, to enhance efficiency and integrate renewable energy sources.
A key component of the programme is the implementation of artificial intelligence for demand forecasting, enabling precise matching of heat supply and demand. Smart substations are being deployed across the network to improve distribution and reduce losses. Geothermal energy integration is also a central strategy to diversify the heat sources and minimise reliance on coal and gas. The ultimate goal is to provide reliable heat to 1.3 million Berlin residents while drastically cutting carbon emissions. Real-time monitoring dashboards offer transparency, tracking the network's carbon intensity and progress towards the 2030 decarbonisation target. This project offers a valuable blueprint for other European cities seeking to modernise and decarbonise their district heating infrastructure, demonstrating how digital technologies and renewable energy can be combined to create sustainable urban energy systems.