ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in this book. The book highlights a coupling between how fixity and flow are described and understood, and not just by oneself but by the myriad civil servants, politicians, facilities managers, households, financiers, consultants, activists, who form the cast of characters. Large utilities in turn may need to meet supplier obligations to invest in energy efficiency for low income households. The physical grid acts as a political artefact; it confers control on its owners in relation to supply of heating to an area and its costs, efficiencies and energy sources. Comparison between Netherland, UK and Norway states shows that within the notionally common framework of liberalised energy markets, decisions to develop district heating are not based in universal or invariant techno-economic rules. Internalising cost externalities creates a shared problem of higher energy costs across society, and regulation needs to establish the mechanism by which a shared solution could be created.
