Vienna Energy: Up to 60 Percent More District Cooling Demand in Heat

The highest performance peaks are usually measured between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., as the company informed APA.

Not only in use during the day

However, during heatwaves, the system runs at full speed not only during the day. The warm nights also drive up the overall cooling demand according to Wien Energie, as the heated city cools down less. This is particularly evident on so-called tropical nights, where temperatures do not drop below the 20-degree mark. This first occurred this year in the first week of June. In 2024, there were 53 such nights in downtown Vienna.

According to its own information, Wien Energie is investing 90 million euros in this area over the next five years. The first district cooling center started operations in 2009 at the Spittelau waste incineration plant. It uses the waste heat from incineration, which is also available in summer, to operate cooling machines.

District cooling network covers 30 kilometers

Meanwhile, there are seven district cooling centers with network connections in Vienna, which are supplied either with waste heat or green electricity. This year, the eighth will be put into operation at the Med-Uni campus. According to Wien Energie, the district cooling network has grown to 30 kilometers over the years. The water, cooled to around 5 to 6 degrees, reaches customers through insulated pipes in this network.

Wien Energie emphasizes that compared to conventional air conditioning systems, district cooling saves 50 percent in CO2 emissions. There is also no waste heat as with split air conditioning units.

(APA/Red)

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