LIFE SET HEAT is redefining the energy future of Eastern Europe through sustainable thermal solutions. The project identifies renewable sources and emerging technologies to transform outdated urban heating networks into efficient, low-carbon systems.
Source: LIFE22-CET-SET_HEAT - All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
The European LIFE SET HEAT project is spearheading a major transformation in urban heating and cooling systems across Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, regions where over 60% of energy demand still relies on fossil fuels. Through a comprehensive strategy that combines thermal analysis, heat source mapping, and feasibility studies, the project aims to modernise district heating networks in line with EU energy efficiency standards.
In its first six months, the initiative has identified over 200 potential sources of renewable and waste heat in cities such as Bucharest, including solar energy, residual heat from metro stations and data servers, and heat pumps in urban lakes.
Among the technologies selected for implementation are heat recovery from wastewater, supermarkets, and rivers, as well as the use of air-source heat pumps, distributed solar plants, and underground seasonal thermal storage. While these solutions are still undergoing technical and financial assessment, they mark a decisive step towards achieving 35% renewable energy in district heating by 2025. However, technical and economic challenges remain, particularly in upgrading outdated infrastructure. Project coordinator Jacek Kalina emphasises that reaching 100% clean energy by 2050 will require an ambitious combination of technologies, investment, and digital energy management tools.
