Preface

Symposium Zukunft Wärme

Abstract

We currently live in a world in which dynamics are increasing ever more rapidly and changes are occurring at tremendous speed. This affects not only political and economic systems as well as social networks, but also our climate. Never before in human history has the temperature risen as quickly and dramatically as it has in recent years.

There is scientific consensus that is due to the immense quantities of greenhouse gases that we continuously emit. In order to limit this anthropogenic rise in temperature, we must therefore decarbonize our energy supply as quickly as possible. On this point, there is broad agreement among most established political parties as well as a wide societal consensus.

Key to the decarbonization of our energy system are measures to increase energy efficiency and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Compared to other sectors, heat supply is currently lagging behind. Nature provides us with an extensive portfolio of options, ranging from solar radiation and wind to biomass, geothermal energy, and ambient heat.

For this reason, we decided to expand the former “Solarthermie” symposium to address all options for a climate-neutral heat supply for buildings, districts and heating networks, as well as industrial processes. A wide range of expert contributions at the “Symposium Zukunft Wärme” presents new technological developments, application examples, and operational experiences from the fields of solar thermal energy, heat pumps, and biomass, combined with innovative technologies for the efficient use, storage, and distribution of heat.In addition, a broad spectrum of different energy concepts for individual buildings quaarters, local and district heating systems, and industrial processes will be presented – among other things, taking into account aspects of sector coupling through heat pumps, power-to-heat, as well as combined heat and power plants and fuel cells. In addition to technology, legal and political framework conditions, as well as market mechanisms and economic viability, are of decisive importance. These aspects will therefore also be addressed in the presentations and, of course, in the discussions at the symposium “Zukunft Wärme”.

Not only our world developing at an ever-faster pace, but the field of renewable energy and heat supply is also characterized by strong dynamics – both in research and development and in practical implementation.

The Scientific Advisory Board, the Conexio-PSE team, and we as the technical chairs of this year’s symposium are therefore very much looking forward to spending several interesting, exciting, and forward-looking days with you at Kloster Banz, where we can exchange views on current and future developments together.