Heat on, CO2 emissions down: a collective approach to heating & cooling decarbonisation

District heating and cooling (DHC) networks can harness vast amounts of local waste, ambient and renewable heat, whilst providing the energy system much-needed flexibility and storage. They can help achieve EU climate and renewable energy goals, unlocking the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector. A recent study finds that expanding DHC to cover 20% of the EU heat demand by 2030 (compared to 13% today) would save 24 billion cubic metres of gas. 

Existing district heating systems are transitioning to 100% renewables and waste heat supply – from currently 40% of the mix – and will be fully decarbonised by 2050. They are an efficient and viable solution to transition cities, districts and buildings which currently use natural gas boilers or coal stoves to clean heating and cooling. 

This webinar will bring policy experts together to discuss how policy makers can effectively roll out clean heating and cooling.  

Euroheat & Power (EHP), the European trade association for sustainable district heating and cooling, will present the findings of a recent study by Aalborg University on redesigning Europe's energy infrastructure, emphasising the expansion of district heating as a strategic move to eliminate gas-based heating in buildings. EHP will also present policy recommendations to expedite the transition, in view of the implementation of the Fit for 55 package and the next political mandate. 

The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) - a global non-profit organisation supporting policymakers and regulators in the energy transition - will present its latest study on policy principles for clean, efficient and smart district heating, providing guidance to policy makers and regulators in decarbonising district heating.

AGENDA  

• 15:00-15:05 Welcome and Opening by RAP & EHP  
• 15:05-15:20 Madis Laaniste, Policy Officer, DG ENER, European Commission 
• 15:20-15:35 Pauline Lucas, EHP, “DHC networks fit for 2050” 
• 15:35-15:45 Q&A 
• 15:45-16:00 Sem Oxenaar, RAP, “Warming up to it: Principles for clean, efficient and smart district heating” 
• 16:00-16:10 Q&A 
• 16:10-16:15 Wrap-up