A Study on the Development of Renewable Energy Heat Supply Systems Considering Regional Characteristics

A Case Study in Sapporo City Center

Abstract

Recently, the Japanese government has been actively promoting the integration of renewable energy into urban district heating systems to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. However, its adoption remains limited due to supply instability and prohibitively high initial costs. This study explores the optimal utilization of renewable heat by considering districtspecific characteristics such as energy potential and heat demand, aiming to propose more effective implementation strategies. Focusing on solar, geothermal, and wastewater heat, we assess their overall environmental impact and cost. Sapporo’s city center, which offers diverse renewable heat potential and is actively advancing decarbonization efforts, has been selected as the study site.