  Urban waste heat recovery, in which low temperature heat from urban sources
is recovered for use in a district heat network, has a great deal of potential
in helping to achieve 2050 climate goals. For example, heat from data centres,
metro systems, public sector buildings and waste water treatment plants could
be used to supply ten percent of Europe's heat demand. Despite this, at
present, urban waste heat recovery is not widespread and is an immature
technology. To help achieve greater uptake, three policy recommendations are
made. First, policy raising awareness of waste heat recovery and creating a
legal framework is suggested. Second, it is recommended that pilot projects are
promoted to help demonstrate technical and economic feasibility. Finally, a
pilot credit facility is proposed aimed at bridging the gap between potential
investors and heat recovery projects.
