Increasing Investments in District Energy Systems in Cities – a SE4All Energy Efficiency Accelerator

The objective of this project is to assist developing countries and selected cities to accelerate their transition to lower-carbon and climate resilient societies through promoting modern District Energy Systems (DES).

Effective implementation of DES requires a tailored policy and investment response that accounts for vertical integration (multiple levels of government engagement) and horizontal integration (across multiple sectors i.e., waste, water, buildings, power, heating/cooling, industry, finance). The 10 DES action modules summarise the DES Initiative’s global methodology for facilitating development of modern DES. The modules can be taken individually or packaged to meet specific city conditions and needs, based on each city’s current stage of DES development, and the aims of the project developer. The 10 DES action modules, are intended to be pursued in a chronological manner, but may not all be necessary dependent on the level of action(s) which have already been taken in the city/country. Under the ‘deep-dive’ component the DES Initiative will adapt the ten DES action modules to the city context in the four selected countries (Chile, China, India and Serbia). This will mean regionally adapted methodologies are developed that can be applied to other countries in the region through outreach and training activities.