The ConnectHeat Blueprint shows how to create energy communities for heating and cooling, a key step to reducing emissions and costs. With real examples and practical guidance, it drives the transition towards sustainable and democratic local systems.
'Heating & Cooling Community Energy Developer’s Blueprint', developed within the European ConnectHeat project, provides a practical guide to promote energy communities focused on heating and cooling (H&C). These communities are crucial for the energy transition, as the H&C sector accounts for more than 50% of Europe’s energy consumption and emissions. The document stresses that creating such initiatives depends on both European and national regulatory frameworks and local conditions, underscoring the importance of understanding the legal context and regional energy systems.
The Blueprint targets municipalities, local authorities, cooperatives and other actors interested in developing community projects. It sets out concrete steps: building on previous experiences, assessing the local context, creating synergies with key stakeholders, and designing training plans and citizen engagement campaigns. It also addresses technical planning, economic feasibility analysis and the development of sustainable business models, highlighting the importance of democratic governance and fair distribution of benefits.
The six ConnectHeat pilots in Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Italy and Spain showcase innovative solutions based on renewable energy, efficiency and citizen participation. The Blueprint concludes that these communities are vital to decarbonising the H&C sector and achieving Europe’s climate goals.
