Costs and public aid
Heating networks — Management, skills and regulations

Building a heating network requires a heavy initial investment, as both the heating unit and the distribution network are substantial. Return on investment can only be expected after a period of around 20 to 30 years. Operating costs, on the other hand, are lower than for multiple installations in different buildings. As the investment for the installation accounts for the majority of the overall cost of the network, the cost price of heat is less sensitive to variations in energy costs, and therefore more stable than that of individual systems. This price stability is further enhanced if the use of fossil fuels, whose prices are highly volatile, is limited.

• The investment for the heat production unit concerns...