Posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on May 03, 2001 at 10:02:17:
In Reply to: FUTURE OF DISTRICT ENERGY posted by pbartlett on May 02, 2001 at 12:42:31:
I am not aware that there is an increasing trend toward district energy. The steam-driven mud hitting the 6th floor in New York City seems to be a deterrent to the concept there. High-pressure hot water has an attraction in earthquake-free areas. St. Paul, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and Russia come to mind. I do like the idea of snow-melted streets. It does take a group effort at idea@districtenergy.org. With high-density populations it makes economic sense. Cities have had the choice forever.
The promotion of gas-fired fuel cells for small commerce and homes would make a distributed cooperative electric grid out of widely-dispersed homes and small business.