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Background The Swedish district heat market of today is a subject being discussed regarding the reasonableness of the heat district supplier’s price settings. The issue is currently on a government level where a new investigation is being executed at the time of writing. Many real estate owners are growing tired of the situation where the heat district suppliers are taking advantage of their monopoly position, thus feeling that the price of district heating has been increasing far too much for many years. The market can be described as a natural monopoly because the real estate owner has no possibility to choose another supplier if they are unsatisfied with the present. Consequently, the real estate owner is in a weak situation with little prospect for negotiating regarding the price settings. The real estate owner cannot really do anything but to accept if the heat district supplier decides to accomplish a price rising. The consequences are huge in terms of economics.Since district heat is by far the dominating heating technique used in Sweden today, this is something that affects many people in the end. Despite being an extensive problem, there are surprisingly few people taking active part in the discussion, perhaps because the problem is so complex and complicated. This is a reason for us to shed light upon the district heat market and what real alternatives to district heat a real estate owner actually has. Purpose The purpose is to describe and analyze the district heat market out of a real estate owner’s perspective. By examining the real estate owner’s situation we will describe which incentives that exist for a heating technique exchange, in those cases district heat is being used. Research Method To reach this purpose we have chosen to work with a qualitative method of examining. We have made interviews with those responsible of energy systems for the biggest real estate owners in Sweden. These respondents have been well familiar with the district heat issue and we will describe their current situation and views of this matter. Conclusion Despite being unsatisfied with today’s district heat situation, big real estate owners in Sweden do not see a possibility to replace district heat as the primary heat technique. Heat pumps and pellets are considered as being complements to district heat, and are as such installed where conditions are favorable. The incentives to replace district heat are solely economic. Though, many times practical issues are in the way, such as no physical space for bigger installations. District heat also required less maintenance. Bedrock heat pumps are especially interesting in situations with properties that require comfort cold (offices and stores), since bedrock heat pumps can offer this cold for free. |
