This paper proposes a ''zero-carbon heating'' model that uses the technology of an electric-driven vapor compression heat pump unit with a large temperature difference that can be used for long-distance delivery of heating. The model adapts to the operational characteristics of the power grid and the heating network

which facilitates 'power supply using 'green electricity'' and heat supply mainly with zero-carbon industrial waste heat. Hence

it is the key equipment that features the synergy of heat and power. The studied system was equally cost-effective to the conventional cogeneration system since it can significantly reduce the backwater temperature of the long-distance transmission network and increase the transmission capacity of the heat network; the return water temperature can be very low. The model has a compact structure; therefore

it can adapt to complex working conditions and land requirements. To verify the feasibility of this technical approach

the operating performance of 0.5 MW units used in Yuncheng in two heating seasons from 2020–2022 was measured and analyzed. The test results showed that the unit can operate stably and efficiently within a range of 0–100% operating load. When only the performance of the electric-driven vapor compression heat pump was calculated

the minimum and maximum heating COP were 6.5 and 13.1

respectively

while the annual average heating COP was 8.3. The minimum return water temperature of the primary network can be 33 K lower than that of the secondary network

reaching 15 ℃. When compared with gas-boilers as the baseline

the payback period was four years.