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District heating systems, when upgraded and properly maintained, outperform individual boiler systems in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, aiding the EU in achieving its environmental targets.

Many existing systems need upgrades to comply with EU energy policies and the EU Strategy for Energy System Integration emphasizes investing in smart, efficient, renewable-based district heating.

However, the current market is challenging for fossil fuel-based systems due to stricter emission standards and rising costs under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Significant investments are needed to transform these networks, reduce carbon intensity, and ensure sustainability. Public financing for these investments is available through various EU instruments.

Our experts have developed a guide to simplify project preparation for EU funding and promote systematic approaches to district heating decarbonisation projects. Our webinar on the decarbonisation of district heating systems aimed to disseminate the recently published "Guide on Decarbonisation of District Heating Systems", as well as the experience collected over the years by JASPERS in support of preparation of District Heating decarbonization projects in several EU Member States.

The webinar focused on the importance of upgrading district heating systems to meet EU energy policy objectives and the challenges associated with project preparation for EU funding, including compliance with State aid requirements.

 

Target audience

The webinar was designed for:

  • Managing Authorities and relevant line ministries in all EU Member States.
  • Project beneficiaries, including competent authorities in regions and municipalities.
  • District heating companies planning to undertake decarbonisation projects under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
  • Stakeholders interested in the decarbonisation of district heating systems and the associated EU funding opportunities.

 

Objectives

  • To highlight the benefits of upgrading district heating systems for energy efficiency and environmental impact.
  • To discuss the current market context and the need for substantial investments in decarbonising district heating systems.
  • To provide insights into EU policy and EIB available support in terms of advisory and financing instruments available for these investments.
  • To present the JASPERS Guide on Decarbonisation of District Heating Systems and encourage systematic project preparation.
  • To present considerations for applying State aid rules to decarbonisation of District Heating systems.
  • To share case studies and practical experiences from various EU Member States.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions, discuss their needs for further advisory and capacity-building support, and share their questions and topics of interest through a pre-event questionnaire.

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Questions?

For any further enquiry on this webinar and in general on the activities of the JASPERS Knowledge Platform please write an email to jaspersnetwork@eib.org