Pannon EGTC

Pannon EGTC’s “REHEATEAST – Building Local Partnerships to Reduce the Fossil Energy Demand of District Heating Systems in the Eastern Danube Region” application submitted for the Interreg Danube Region Programme call for proposals was awarded at the end of 2023, and its implementation started in January 2024.

As the first year of the REHEATEAST project draws to a close, this milestone is marked by the publication of two major reports that provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future potential of district heating and cooling (DHC) systems in the Eastern Danube Region and the wider European context. These publications include detailed data and analyses from all eight participating countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Slovenia.

The first report, “Stakeholder survey and analysis of results in district heating and cooling systems”, examines in detail the perspectives of five key stakeholder groups: heat producers and district heating suppliers, authorities and regulators, technology suppliers and system manufacturers, financiers and investors, consumers and media representatives. The report explores the stakeholders’ priorities and perceptions of the current state and future prospects of DHC systems. The findings underline that a successful transition to sustainable heating solutions requires several key factors, such as strong political support, a sound legal framework, the use of advanced technological innovations and the active involvement of stakeholders, including the public. The report also underlines the importance of coordinated actions such as significant investments in DHC infrastructure, its modernisation and digitalisation, and the integration of sectors. These measures are essential to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.

The second report, “Analysis of challenges, gaps and best practices in district heating and cooling systems”, starts with an assessment criteria for the sustainability of DHC systems. It then provides a detailed overview of projects, initiatives and studies aimed at developing this sector, particularly in Europe. For the eight countries involved in the project, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the DHC sector, comparing strategic roles, regulatory frameworks and action plans or instruments to support centralised heating solutions. It systematically identifies key challenges and development gaps, while presenting notable best practices from the region and the EU.

Both reports are available in the REHEATEAST project library.

The source of the news is available at this link.