The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate’s director of energy markets, Kjetil Møgster, says expanding the country’s district heating networks could reduce the need for costly new power grid expansions. In a recent interview with Teknisk Ukeblad, Møgster argued that installing just a few hundred meters of district heating pipes in urban areas could ease pressure on the electricity grid. This approach would allow buildings to switch from electric heating to district heating, cutting peak electricity demand during cold spells.
Møgster’s proposal comes as Norway faces rising costs for upgrading its power infrastructure. The country’s grid operator, Statnett, has warned that congestion on the grid is increasing, particularly in cities where demand for electricity is highest. New power lines and substations are often required to meet demand, but these projects face delays due to local opposition and lengthy permitting processes.
District heating already supplies heat to about 20% of Norwegian buildings, mostly in urban areas like Oslo and Trondheim. The system relies on centralized heat sources, such as waste-to-energy plants or industrial excess heat, which are then distributed via underground pipes. Expanding this network could reduce reliance on electric boilers and heat pumps during winter, when electricity demand peaks.
The Directorate estimates that for every kilowatt of heating demand shifted from electricity to district heating, grid investments could be reduced by up to 10,000 NOK. This would not only lower costs for grid operators but also help stabilize electricity prices for consumers. However, the expansion would require coordination between municipalities, energy companies, and property owners.
Critics argue that district heating expansion could face challenges in rural areas where population density is low. But Møgster stresses that the focus should be on cities and towns, where the grid is already under the most strain. He also notes that district heating systems can integrate renewable energy sources more easily than individual electric heating solutions.
Source: tu.no