Februrary 26th, Brussels, Belgium – Last week, Aiguasol, as coordinator of the IncentEU initiative, attended the “Strategic Directions for the Heating & Cooling Transition” workshop in Brussels. The event gathered European policymakers, technical experts, and financing institutions to discuss pathways for accelerating the deployment of sustainable district heating and cooling (DHC) systems across Europe.
The session “Financing the Transition: Investment Attraction, Criteria & Support”, led by SEFA, showcased IncentEU’s insights on clean investment strategies, State Aid, private financing structures for DHC, and alignment with the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), highlighting how these tools can improve project bankability and attract private investment into urban heating and cooling systems.
The workshop, hosted by SUPPORTDHC, HeatMineDH, ENABLEDHC, and GREEN HEAT LIFE, examined EU legislation, investment gaps, and opportunities for innovative financing models. Participants emphasized the strategic importance of DHC in integrating renewable and waste heat sources, enhancing system efficiency, and supporting urban decarbonisation goals.
Bringing technical and financial expertise to European cities
IncentEU accelerates the deployment of low-temperature DHC systems in Barcelona, Strasbourg, and Tallinn, supporting metropolitan authorities with bankable investment plans, feasibility analyses, and business modelling. By integrating thermal energy storage and renewable heat sources, the project strengthens local capacity for informed investment decisions and scalable, sustainable urban heating and cooling solutions.
Backed by the LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme, IncentEU contributes to EU climate and energy objectives under the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Holistic, replicable approach of IncentEU
What sets IncentEU apart is its holistic and replicable methodology, designed to deliver lasting impact beyond pilot projects. Through the creation of a Community of Practice, IncentEU engages utilities, ESCOs, financiers, and policymakers to share best practices, identify sector needs, and strengthen the DHC value chain.
The project’s measurable targets further demonstrate its potential for tangible results: 21.5 GWh/year in primary energy savings, 19.5 GWh/year of renewable energy generation, and approximately 9,700 tCO₂eq/year in emissions reductions. These outcomes highlight how well-structured DHC investment plans can provide both environmental and economic benefits.
From Aiguasol’s perspective, workshops like this one are critical for bridging technical innovation with financial feasibility and regulatory frameworks. They allow for cross-project learning, validate methodological approaches, and reinforce DHC as a central pillar of Europe’s decarbonised energy system.
👉 Discover more about IncentEU on its official website: https://www.sefaeu.org/incenteu
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of Aiguasol only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
