Transformation Pathways for Clean District Heating & Cooling
Transformation Pathways for Clean District Heating & Cooling
6 countries. 10 DHC systems. 10 decarbonisation pathways. What can Europe learn from their transformation journeys?
District heating and cooling systems are at the heart of Europe’s clean energy transition. To meet climate targets and the requirements of the revised Energy Efficiency Directive, DHC operators need clear transformation pathways that connect long-term strategies with concrete investment decisions.
The event “Transformation Pathways for Clean District Heating & Cooling”, organised within the framework of the SupportDHC project, will will explore the current state and future direction of the European DHC market, from policy frameworks and investment needs to practical implementation pathways. The event will showcase the experience gained through the Support DHC project, which has supported 10 DHC operators across 6 European countries in developing transformation and investment plans for the integration of low-grade renewable energy sources and waste heat.
The first session, “The Future of District Heating in Europe: From Policy to Investment,” will set the scene with an overview of the current European DHC market and the policy and investment challenges shaping its future. It will then introduce the experiences of the SupportDHC frontrunner cases, highlighting the different starting points, system contexts and approaches that DHC operators face when planning their transition.
The event will then take a closer look at selected transformation pathways, showcasing practical experiences from three DHC operators, such as:
- Poland – Recovering energy through flue-gas condensation: demonstrating opportunities to improve system efficiency and recover additional heat from existing infrastructure. E.ON will also share its decarbonisation strategy, drawing on lessons from the Skarżysko-Kamienna and Chojnice projects and its broader Coal Exit Poland programme.
- Italy – Decarbonisation planning for three Italian DHC systems: sharing experiences from the development of transformation and investment plans across different Italian district heating systems.
- And others.
The event will conclude with a high-level panel discussion, “What can Europe learn from SupportDHC?”, bringing together DHC operators and project experts to reflect on the lessons from the different transformation pathways. The discussion will explore what makes a transformation process successful, how different starting conditions influence investment choices, and how the experience of frontrunner operators can be replicated and adapted across European heating markets.
Through the SupportDHC project, 10 DHC operators across 6 European countries have been supported in developing transformation and investment plans for the integration of low-grade renewable energy sources and waste heat. Their experiences provide practical insights into the opportunities, challenges and decisions involved in transforming existing district heating systems.
By connecting European policy and market developments with concrete operator experiences, the event will highlight practical approaches to moving from strategy to implementation and explore how cooperation between operators, cities, policymakers and technology providers can accelerate the decarbonisation of district heating and cooling across Europe.
Programme
09:30–10:00 – Welcome coffee
10:00–11:00 – The Future of District Heating in Europe: From Policy to Investment
European DHC market outlook, policy and investment context, and an introduction to the SupportDHC frontrunner cases.
11:00–11:30 – Coffee break
11:30–12:30 – Deep Dive: Practical example of different Transformation Pathways
12:30–13:00 – What can Europe learn from SupportDHC?
- Panel discussion with DHC operators and SupportDHC experts.
13:00–14:00 – EHP Summit Lunch
14:00 onwards – EHP Summit programme, followed by networking drinks and dinner.
This event takes place ahead of and as part of the Euroheat & Power Summit 2026. Please note that registration for this event does not grant access to the Summit programme. Separate registration for the EHP Summit is required.
About SupportDHC
The SupportDHC project supports district heating and cooling operators in developing practical transformation pathways towards more efficient and renewable systems. Working with operators across Europe, the project combines technical, strategic and investment planning approaches to help identify suitable heat sources, engage relevant stakeholders and translate decarbonisation strategies into actionable investment plans.
Disclaimer
The Support DHC project (contract no. 101119914) is co-funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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