The path to the climate neutrality of district heating systems - Solutions, regulations, technologies

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 | 12:30 - 13:45 CET

An estimated 67 million Europeans rely on heat provided by district heating, which is currently undergoing a decarbonisation process to achieve the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050.

However, different district heating systems are at different stages of progress towards net-zero. Some systems, particularly low-temperature district heating networks, have already been fully decarbonised through the use of technologies like heat pumps and geothermal energy. In contrast, large-scale district heating systems that require high temperatures face more limited options, such as biomass, electrode boilers (as part of power-to-heat solutions), and energy storage.

A key principle of the energy transition is to ensure that no one is left behind, including customers of district heating systems. This transition presents a range of challenges, not only technical and technological, but also regulatory and economic. These difficulties will be especially pronounced in large, densely developed cities. To address this, it is essential to establish regulatory frameworks and effective mechanisms, in line with the Fit for 55 package, that will support investment and ensure the transformation is both feasible and acceptable for heat recipients.

Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the road to net-zero of district heating systems.

Confirmed panellists:

Claudia Canevari, Head of Unit, Energy Efficiency: Policy and Financing, European Commission
Borys Budka MEP, Chair, ITRE Committee, European Parliament
Oskar Kvarnstrm, Energy Analyst, International Energy Agency
Dariusz Marzec, President of PTEZ and PGE

Find out more