3. Recovered heat networks

Like a geothermal heat network, this type of network recovers existing heat on the very site where it is produced, most often the waste heat from a household waste incineration plant (UIOM). The recovered heat is transferred to the network via a heat exchanger. Unlike heating networks fed by a boiler plant or geothermal well located close to the areas to be served, a waste-to-energy plant may be located at a distance - sometimes deliberately - from the buildings to be supplied, for reasons of convenience or safety.

The biodegradable part of waste can also be used to produce biogas, either by methanization using a specific production unit, or by landfilling (landfill gas).

The recovery of residual heat from the incineration of municipal and similar waste, as well as the recovery of biogas from methanization, are part of a circular economy...