Europe’s District Heating and Cooling (DHC) sector is central to achieving the continent’s energy efficiency and decarbonisation goals. As the industry transitions from fossil-based systems to low-carbon, renewable, and smart energy networks, it faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals. A new EU-funded report highlights the urgent need to align workforce capabilities with the sector’s evolving technological and environmental demands.

The report identifies five key skill areas—technical, digital, green, resiliency, and soft skills—where gaps are hindering progress. Energy efficiency emerges as a cross-cutting priority, requiring professionals who can design, operate, and optimise systems that reduce waste, integrate renewables, and manage complex energy flows. From smart metering to low-temperature networks, the sector needs a workforce fluent in both engineering fundamentals and advanced digital tools.

Stakeholders across Europe report that current training frameworks are fragmented and often too theoretical. There is a pressing need for practical, hands-on learning that equips workers with the skills to implement energy-efficient solutions on the ground. This includes everything from retrofitting infrastructure and managing waste heat to deploying AI-driven optimisation tools and ensuring regulatory compliance.

To address these challenges, the report calls for the creation of a pan-European DHC Academy. This initiative would provide accessible, interdisciplinary training tailored to real-world needs, with a strong focus on energy efficiency as a strategic pillar. By fostering collaboration, promoting awareness, and supporting continuous learning, the Academy aims to build a future-ready workforce capable of driving Europe’s sustainable energy transition.