Decarbonising the heating and cooling (H&C) sector is key to achieving the EU 2050 goals. This sector accounts for about half of Europe’s total energy needs with 75% of it still dependent on fossil fuels. Rapid action needs to be taken on a local level, but cities often lack the resources or capacity to advance in their strategic H&C plans. This is where digital tools come in place, bringing the opportunity of a more cost-effective and efficient H&C planning. Tools like Hotmaps or THERMOS can facilitate and accelerate the planning and development of district energy projects.

After over 3 years of implementation, the Act!onHeat project is coming to a close in November 2024. The project, with the aim to accelerate the use of strategic heating and cooling planning in European cities, has supported several municipalities in their journey to H&C decarbonisation while making use of the digital tools Hotmaps and THERMOS. The main learnings and best-case studies will be showcased in a public event, which will take place in Brussels (BIP meeting centre, rue Royale 2-4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium) on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.

The event will bring together the main stakeholders of the H&C sector, including energy agencies, cities, industry and representatives from the European Commission. Speakers will discuss key topics like the digitalisation of the sector, financing, development of H&C plans and effective communication. We will also hear from best-practice case studies in European cities that have been supported by the Act!onHeat project in their H&C efforts.