Perspectives on fourth and fifth generation district heating

Abstract Fourth-generation district heating (4GDH) has been used as a label or expression since 2008 to describe transition path for decarbonization of the sector and was defined in more detail 2014. During recent years, several papers have published on concept called fifth generation cooling (5GDHC). This article identifies differences similarities between 4GDH 5GDHC regarding aims abilities. The analysis shows that these two are common not only overarching aim but they also some extent share five essential abilities first 4GDH. main driver strong focus combined cooling, using collective network close ambient temperature levels heat source sink building-level pumps. It is found can be regarded promising technology with its own merits, yet complementary may coexist parallel other technologies. However, term “generation” implies chronological succession, does seem compatible established labels 1GDH