Looking for new ways - New impulses for district heating schemes and increasing this form of energy supply's share of the market

This article discusses the situation in Switzerland with respect to the use of district heating, which is still regarded as being viable. The necessity of improving the image of district heating schemes, which according to the author are often characterised as being too expensive, is emphasised and possible approaches aiming to make district heating more attractive are discussed. The use of heat generated from a number of conventional and renewable fuels is discussed, including systems that use waste heat from industrial processes and waste incineration plant. The author is of the opinion that stressing the local nature of district heating systems will help improve the systems' image in the general public. The increased level of comfort for the consumer is stressed and underlined by statements made by operators of such systems