A heat network is one long insulation problem: generation efficiency at the plant, then kilometres of distribution where every substation, valve chamber and plant-room fitting leaks paid heat. Network losses of 10–20% are normal; the best run at 6–8%.
| Year | Free allocation (EU) | Payable carbon cost | Annual bill (per 1,000,000 MWh heat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 97.5% | €0.48 / MWh heat | €483,750 |
| 2030 | 51.5% | €9.38 / MWh heat | €9,384,750 |
| 2034 | 0.0% | €19.35 / MWh heat | €19,350,000 |
At EUA €77.4 (11 Jun 2026) and ≈0.2–0.3 t CO2/MWh heat (gas-fired networks; falling with renewables). EU ETS industry schedule; exporters under CBAM follow the mirrored phase-in. Power sectors pay 100% from day one.
Indicative reduction potential of each measure against the relevant emissions share (sources: IEA industry roadmaps, sector associations — see each measure page). Measures stack but don't simply add.
Buried mains are pre-insulated — but substations, valve pits and energy centres are full of bare fittings that surveys price instantly. A network's «last 5%» of losses is mostly visible metal in plant rooms; removable covers turn it into next winter's margin.
Method: ASTM C680 / ISO 12241 surface energy balance — the same engine as our public calculators. Typical removable-insulation effect across hot-process plants: 2–5% of fuel-related CO2, payback up to 2 years.
Direct-emission intensities, typical published values per industry page — units differ by product; see each page for sources.
