This thesis deals with some challenges related to the mitigation of climate change and the overall aim is to present and assess different possibilities for the mitigation of climate change by: • Suggesting some measures with a potential to abate net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, • Discussing ideas for how decision-makers could tackle some of the encountered obstacles linked to these measures, and • Pointing at some problems with the current Kyoto framework and suggesting modifications of it. The quantification of the net CO2 effect from a specific project, frequently referred to as emissions accounting, is an important tool to evaluate projects and strategies for mitigating climate change. This thesis discusses different emissions accounting methods. It is concluded that no single method ought to be used for generalisation purposes, as many factors may affect the real outcome for different projects. The estimated outcome is extremely dependent on the method chosen and, thus, the suggested approach is to apply a broader perspective than the use of a particular method for strategic decisions. The risk of losing the integrity of the Kyoto Protocol when over-simplified emissions accounting methods are applied for the quantification of emission credits that can be obtained by a country with binding emissions targets for projects executed in a country without binding emission targets is also discussed. Driving forces and obstacles with regard to energy-related co-operations between industries and district heating companies have been studied since they may potentially reduce net GHG emissions. The main conclusion is that favourable techno-economic circumstances are not sufficient for the implementation of a co-operation; other factors like people with the true ambition to co-operate are also necessary. How oxy-fuel combustion for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) purposes may be much more efficiently utilised together with some industrial processes than with power production processes is also discussed. As cost efficiency is relevant for the Kyoto framework, this thesis suggests that CCS performed on CO2 from biomass should be allowed to play on a level playing field with CCS from fossil sources, as the outcome for the atmosphere is independent of the origin of the CO2. / QC 20101015

The Member States of EU27 need to accelerate the integration of energy efficient technology solutions to reach the 20% energy efficiency target set for 2020. At current pace, projections indicate that only half of expected primary energy reductions will be reached. To meet the energy demands of growing populations and a vibrant economy, while simultaneously reducing primary energy supplies, the European continent faces a new kind of challenge never previously encountered. The identification and application of feasible, competitive, and comprehensive solutions to this problem are of highest priority if the remaining gap is to be closed in time. How is this multi-dimensional and complex dilemma to be dissolved? In this work, expanded use of district heating technology is conceived as a possible solution to substantially reduce future primary energy demands in Europe. By extended recovery and utilisation of vast volumes of currently disregarded excess heat from energy and industry sector fuel transformation processes, district heating systems and combined generation of heat and power can improve the general efficiency of the European energy balance. To investigate the possible range of this solution, this thesis introduces a set of methodologies, theoretical concepts, and model tools, by which a plausible future excess heat utilisation potential, by means of district heat deliveries to residential and service sectors, is estimated. At current conditions and compared to current levels, this potential correspond to a threefold expansion possibility for directly feasible district heating systems in European urban areas and a fourfold increase of European excess heat utilisation.

This thesis investigates the potential utilisation of Zigrid’s distributed power modules for waste heat utilisation and electricity production within an industrial cluster. The study examines generated waste heat from a hydrogen production plant with a PEM electrolyser and Zigrid’s innovative energy generation capabilities. Furthermore, the study investigates changes in the value chain within the industrial cluster when integrating Zigrid’s power modules as a cooling technique and thereby replacing cooling towers. This integration offers various potential avenues for the excess waste heat, such as electricity production and district heating. An in-depth economic evaluation was performed, weighing the cost-effectiveness of Zigrid's power modules against traditional cooling towers. The economic assessment includes the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for locally produced electricity and showcase the potential savings by reducing dependence on the grid. Furthermore, the study also highlights the potential benefits of harnessing Sweden's waste heat, forecasting Zigrid's prospective contribution to local electricity generation and substantial economic efficiencies.  The study's findings underscore the viability of Zigrid's power units in increasing local electricity generation, curbing emissions, enhancing grid stability, and fostering sustainable practices within industrial clusters. / Denna avhandling undersöker potentialen för användning av Zigrids distribuerade kraftmoduler för utnyttjande av spillvärme och elproduktion inom ett industriellt kluster. Studien granskar genererad spillvärme från en väteproduktionsanläggning med en PEMelektrolysör och Zigrids innovativa energiproduktionsförmåga. Vidare undersöker studien förändringar i värdekedjan inom det industriella klustret när Zigrids kraftmoduler integreras som en kylteknik och därmed ersätter kyltorn. Denna integration erbjuder olika potentiella vägar för överskott av spillvärme, såsom elproduktion och fjärrvärme. En djupgående ekonomisk utvärdering genomfördes, där kostnadseffektiviteten hos Zigrids kraftmoduler jämfördes med traditionella kyltorn. Den ekonomiska bedömningen inkluderar den nivåbaserad elkostnaden (LCOE) för lokalt producerad elektricitet och visar de potentiella besparingarna genom att minska beroendet av elnätet. Vidare belyser studien också de potentiella fördelarna med att utnyttja Sveriges spillvärme och förutspår Zigrids framtida bidrag till lokal elproduktion och betydande ekonomisk effektivitet. Studiens resultat understryker Zigrids kraftenheters livskraftighet för att öka lokal elproduktion, minska utsläpp, förbättra nätstabiliteten och främja hållbara metoder inom industrikluster.