Modeling of energy efficiency increase of urban areas through synergies with industries

Generally waste heat, waste water and waste streams are available as industrial energy sources in industrial companies. Additionally, their roof areas can be used for solar energy harvesting. The energetic linking of industry and urban areas through the usage of industrial energy for covering the energy demand of the cities is hardly surveyed. Due to the lack of research concerning the symbiosis of industry and cities, no figures are available which enables an economic comparison with other energy production technologies. An economic assessment was carried out using four towns as examples. With the help of the annuity method, amortization times are determined. Additionally levelized costs for electricity and heat under different scenarios are calculated. They reach from 60 to 91 €/MWh for electricity and 25–38 €/MWh for heat. A sensitivity analysis takes into account possible price fluctuations. - Highlights: • Levelized costs of electricity and heat are calculated. • Amortization times of 6–8 years could be estimated for heat related implementations. • Feed-in tariffs show a large influence on the profitability of PV-power plants. • Business models for industrial energy allow advantages for all participants.