At Aiguasol, as coordinators of the European IncentEU project, we co-organized, together with AESS, a technical site visit to the Districlima district heating network and the Ca l’Alier Innovation Center.
The study visit brought together partners from the European PLAN4CET project, representing eight organizations from Spain (Navarra), Sweden, and Italy, with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between projects driving the energy transition and climate resilience, within the framework of the European Union LIFE programme.
About IncentEU and PLAN4CET
IncentEU, funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the LIFE programme (2025–2028), focuses on promoting sustainable low-temperature urban heating and cooling networks (5th Generation District Heating and Cooling, or 5GDHC), prioritizing renewable energy sources and the use of waste heat, in line with the EU’s Efficient Urban Heating and Cooling Strategy.
The project is distinguished by its holistic and replicable approach, collaborating with regions at different stages of DHC deployment in Europe —Tallinn, Strasbourg, and Barcelona— to foster knowledge exchange, developing a pre-analysis methodology to assess project viability quickly, and analyzing business and financing models to ensure sustainability and adaptability.
The project brings together a strong network of partners, each contributing specialized expertise:
- IREC – Leading the development of the general methodology and conducting demand and resource assessments.
- AMB, Strasbourg Eurométropole, Tallinn Municipality – Providing three regional case studies at different stages of DHC deployment, allowing for meaningful cross-country comparison and replication potential.
- EGIS Conseil, EnergyMentor and AIGUASOL – Serving as the technical partners, supporting system design, feasibility analysis, and implementation strategies.
- SEFA – Acting as the finance expert, responsible for financial modeling, capacity building, and dissemination of project results.
Meanwhile, the European LIFE PLAN4CET project aims to support regions and cities in developing and implementing clean energy transition plans, addressing barriers such as governance and resource gaps. It provides methodologies, tools, and technical assistance, particularly for small and medium-sized municipalities, to advance towards climate neutrality.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two projects can enhance deployment strategies, optimize governance and financing models, and accelerate the replication of sustainable, adaptable solutions across diverse European contexts.
Innovation and collaboration for sustainable cities: the study visit
During the event, participants had the opportunity to learn firsthand about innovative experiences and strategies in energy efficiency and combating energy poverty, including presentations on:
- Cooling and heating network in the Fórum – 22@ area (Barcelona), by Joan Geli (Districlima)
- Barcelona Climate Plan and climate shelters, by Irma Ventayol
- BCN Urban Innovation, by BIT Habitat
- Strategies to tackle energy poverty, by Xavi Fita (Ecoserveis) and Mònica Guiteras (Engineering Without Borders)
In addition, Aiguasol presented the School Climate Plan, a roadmap to strengthen climate resilience and improve energy efficiency in 170 educational centers, leading the design and implementation of tailored energy solutions. This initiative exemplifies the spirit of IncentEU, which emphasizes innovation, cooperation, and the adoption of sustainable urban heating and cooling solutions at the European scale.
The event provided a valuable and inspiring opportunity to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and consolidate collaboration between European projects committed to creating more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient cities.
- IncentEU Project Website: https://www.sefaeu.org/incenteu
- EU Project Portal Link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43252405/101215745
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of Aiguasol alone 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.
