On 22–23 September 2025, we hosted the Kick-Off Meeting of the IncentEU Project in Barcelona. This two-day event, supported by the EU LIFE Programme through the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), marked the official launch of a three-year initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable District Heating and Cooling (DHC) networks across Europe.
About the IncentEU project
Running from 2025 to 2028, IncentEU focuses on promoting renewable energy sources and the utilization of waste heat, aligning with the EU’s Efficient District Heating and Cooling Strategy. By designing innovative, 5th Generation DHC (5GDHC) systems, the project will help municipalities implement solutions that are energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and replicable across diverse urban contexts.
IncentEU unites a robust network of partners, each with specialized expertise:
- IREC – Leading the methodology and demand/resource assessments.
AMB, Strasbourg Eurométropole, Tallinn Municipality – Providing case studies at different DHC maturity stages. - EGIS Conseil, EnergyMentor, Aiguasol – Offering technical expertise on design and implementation.
- SEFA – Acting as the finance expert, responsible for modeling and dissemination.
As project coordinator, Aiguasol leads the consortium, ensuring smooth collaboration, monitoring performance indicators, and reporting to CINEA. Beyond coordination, we act as:
- Work package leader for investment plan development.
- Local technical partner in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB).
Our contribution includes:
- Assessing local energy demand and resources.
- Designing conceptual system layouts.
- Conducting feasibility studies (technical, economic, and environmental).
- Performing risk and sensitivity analyses.
- Developing 15+ phased investment plans for new DHC projects in the AMB.
Through this work, IncentEU will empower municipalities to make informed investment decisions and establish a clear roadmap for sustainable urban heating and cooling.
Highlights from the Kick-Off Meeting
The Barcelona meeting set the stage for the next three years of collaboration. Key moments included:
- Introducing the project roadmap to kick-start activities.
- Partner presentations, sharing expertise and case studies from Tallinn, Strasbourg, and Barcelona.
- Alignment on goals and frameworks to ensure effective and smooth execution.
Together, partners reaffirmed our commitment to:
- Prioritizing renewable energy and waste heat recovery.
- Supporting municipalities with feasibility studies and investment plans.
- Designing and replicating 5GDHC systems across Europe.
Holistic approach, lasting impact
What sets IncentEU apart is its replicable methodology and focus on building a Community of Practice. By engaging utilities, ESCOs, financiers, and policymakers, the project will share best practices, identify sector needs, and strengthen the DHC value chain.
With measurable goals — including 21.5 GWh/year in primary energy savings, 19.5 GWh/year in renewable energy generation, and 9,700 tCO₂eq/year reductions — the project is set to deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
The Kick-Off Meeting marked a strong start toward building a replicable roadmap for Europe’s energy transition. With collaboration, data-driven tools, and sustainability at its core, IncentEU will help cities transform their heating and cooling systems into smart, efficient, and future-proof infrastructures.
At Aiguasol, we are proud to coordinate this ambitious project and look forward to working closely with our partners to shape a more sustainable future.
🔗 More on IncentEU’s web page
“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.”
