Case study: Comprehensive Modernization of Pristina’s District Heating System

  • Client: Termokos AD – Pristina
  • Funding: German Development Bank (KfW) & OEKB
  • Total Project Value: Over €10 million
  • Contract Value: Over €7 million
  • Project year: 2021-2025
  • Consortium: DALSIA BRUNATA & ERGOTEM (Lead Partner: Dalsia Brunata)

Project Scope & Objectives

The modernization of Pristina’s district heating system is a strategic investment aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability for both residential and commercial consumers. This initiative, funded by KfW, is part of the larger “Improvement of District Heating in Pristina” project, which includes the integration of Termokos’s heating system with the Kosovo B Thermal Power Plant (TPP), transforming it into a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility.

Key Project Components

  • Installation of 320 new fully automated substations to improve heat distribution efficiency.
  • Rehabilitation of 235 existing substations for optimized energy performance.
  • Expansion of the heat transfer network with 5 km of new DN 600 pipelines.
  • Upgrades to the pressure regulation system, ensuring stability and efficiency.
  • Installation of new pumps for better heat transfer and operational control.
  • Integration of a Heat Reservoir to enhance system responsiveness.
  • Implementation of Dalsia Brunata’s SCADA System for real-time remote monitoring and control of substations.
  • Conversion of TPP Kosovo B into a CHP plant, creating a more sustainable and cost-effective heating solution.

Expected Benefits & Impact

✔ Significant Reduction in Heat & Water Losses

  • Heat losses reduced from 18.7% (2016) to 11.9% (2021).
  • Water replenishments reduced from 22 times per year (2016) to just 5 times (2021).

✔ Optimized Energy Management

  • SCADA-enabled substations allow for real-time monitoring, fast response times, and improved billing accuracy.
  • The temperature difference between return water on the primary and secondary sides remains stable, not exceeding 5°C at any of the 171 substations installed in earlier phases.

✔ Improved Air Quality & Environmental Sustainability

  • Transition from oil and electricity-based heating to a more efficient district heating system.
  • High-performance thermal insulation on all pipes to minimize heat loss into the atmosphere.

✔ A Model for Future District Heating Projects

  • The successful integration of a CHP plant and advanced SCADA-controlled substations sets a benchmark for sustainable urban heating solutions.

✔ Dalsia Brunata’s Continued Commitment to Kosovo

The modernization of Pristina’s district heating system is a major milestone in Kosovo’s transition to a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure. By implementing state-of-the-art heating technology and remote monitoring solutions, this project ensures long-term sustainability, reduced energy costs, and improved quality of life for residents.

With its extensive expertise, Dalsia Brunata continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Kosovo’s district heating sector, paving the way for future innovations and sustainable urban development.