HISTORY OF DISTRICT ENERGY

The federal government’s new Inflation Reduction Act will pour billions into renewable energy development across the U.S., and district energy projects are likely to be a significant beneficiary. So, this month’s quiz looks at the history of district energy, defined as the heating and/or cooling of two or more structures from a central source...
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The use of district energy dates back at least to Ancient Rome, where thermal energy was first delivered via warm water circulated through open trenches. This provided heat for buildings and baths in which city?

A. Rome

B. Carthage

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D. Antioch
Source: R. Gordon Bloomquist, PhD. Geothermal-Energy.org.
2. In 1877, mechanical engineer Birdsill Holly created the first commercial district heating system in this U.S. city. He used a boiler in his cellar as the central heat source and built a loop consisting of steam pipes, radiators, and condensate return lines. By 1880, the system had spread to a three-mile loop that was serving several factories and homes. Which city was home to this innovation?
A. Westborough, MA

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C. Philadelphia, PA

D. Portland, OR

Source: R. Gordon Bloomquist, PhD. Geothermal-Energy.org.
3. Europe’s first district heating system was established in Frederiksberg, Denmark. The heat was provided by the “Hortensiavaerket” electrical generating plant and supplied a hospital and several municipal government buildings. What was the year?

A. 1881

B. 1886
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D. 1896
Source: R. Gordon Bloomquist, PhD. Geothermal-Energy.org
4. The first U.S. geothermal district heating system was built in this city in 1892, and was known originally as the Artesian Hot and Cold Water Co. Which city?

A. Portland, OR

B. Fremont, CA
C. Seattle, WA
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Source: R. Gordon Bloomquist, PhD. Geothermal-Energy.org.
5. Today, the International District Energy Association (IDEA) has more than 2,400 members from more than 30 countries. Based outside Boston, the trade group had first been named the National District Heating Association and opened its doors in what year?
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B. 1911
C. 1921

D. 1931

Source: International District Energy Association. DistrictEnergy.org