Digital Twin and Sustainability for the World’s Most Iconic District Energy System.

In the heart of Manhattan, Con Edison operates one of the largest and most historic steam distribution networks in the world: 170 kilometres of pipes that supply steam for heat, hot water, air conditioning, sterilisation, and humidification to iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, the New York Stock Exchange, Macy’s, and the World Trade Center.

In today’s energy transition landscape, this infrastructure faces the challenge of balancing service continuity, operational efficiency and ambitious decarbonisation goals.

Since 2022, Optit has been a strategic partner to Con Edison on this journey. Starting with an in-depth analysis of existing digital systems, Optit developed a full Digital Twin of the steam system, based on our OptiEPTM platform. The tool enables the simulation of complex scenarios and the optimisation of steam generation, improving operational margins, and reducing emissions. In the first case study, emission reductions of several percentage points were identified without requiring infrastructure investments.

In parallel and in collaboration with a global consulting firm, Optit supported the “Steam Decarbonization Project,” simulating the integration of new technologies such as heat pumps, electric boilers, and long-duration thermal storage systems; all aimed at full decarbonisation of the Steam System by 2050.

Optit’s approach and simulation modelling combined strategic vision with technical feasibility, providing Con Edison with a concrete roadmap towards climate neutrality.