Karno
Karno is a Belgian developer and operator of low-carbon district heating and cooling networks, managing projects end-to-end from feasibility studies through long-term operation. The company designs what it operates, avoiding the common engineering bias of oversizing systems, and uses AI-driven control and predictive maintenance tools to optimize energy efficiency. Karno also participates in initial investments by financing auxiliary equipment, with its profitability directly tied to network performance.
- Energy
- Clean Technology
- Construction Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Internet of Things
Funding
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Traditional heating systems in buildings rely on fossil fuels or individual boilers, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Developing efficient district heating networks requires specialized expertise, and poorly designed systems often suffer from oversizing, thermal losses, and high operational costs that deter developers and municipalities from adopting low-carbon alternatives.
Solution
Karno provides turnkey design, construction, and operation of low-carbon district heating networks, managing projects from feasibility through long-term maintenance. The company designs and operates what it builds, eliminating the common engineering bias of oversizing systems and ensuring optimal performance. Karno uses AI-driven control systems and predictive maintenance tools to maximize energy efficiency, minimize primary energy consumption, and reduce thermal losses in low-temperature networks. The company also participates in initial investments by financing auxiliary equipment that improves system performance, with its profitability directly tied to network performance.
Target Audience
Primary customers are developers, municipalities, and agricultural sector stakeholders in Belgium who need low-carbon district heating solutions for new construction or renovation projects, as well as industries seeking to valorize waste heat or organic waste.
Features
- End-to-end project management covering feasibility studies, design, construction, and long-term operation and maintenance
- AI-driven control systems and optimization tools that regulate networks throughout their lifetime to minimize primary energy consumption
- Predictive maintenance tools that maximize reliability and minimize costs while ensuring end-user comfort
- Financing of auxiliary equipment to improve system performance, with commitments on long-term maintenance and component update costs
- Mutualization and storage capabilities that reduce installed power requirements through adequate system sizing
- Exclusive use of local renewable energy sources to power networks, supporting full decarbonization