In June, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission organised the first workshop on Regional Heating and Cooling priorities in the framework of the Smart Specialisation Platform.
The key objective of the Smart Specialisation Platform on Energy is to support the effective uptake of the cohesion funds for those regions with particular interests in the thematic area of sustainable heating and cooling. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) play an important role in boosting the shift towards a low-carbon economy, and in promoting innovation in the field of energy.
The RELaTED’s innovative concept of decentralized Ultra-Low Temperature network was presented to several experts participating at the meeting and raised a lot of interest.
The key objective of the Smart Specialisation Platform on Energy is to support the effective uptake of the cohesion funds for those regions with particular interests in the thematic area of sustainable heating and cooling
Under this Smart Specialisation platform, a group of up to 10 regions will participate in workshops in which the JRC will inform about:
- how regions can evaluate their economic energy efficiency potential in the heating and cooling sectors;
- examples of possible heating and cooling technology solutions relevant for your region;
- how regions can improve their regional heating and cooling strategies;
- ESCOs and Energy Performance Contract activities in district heating and cooling and energy efficiency in buildings;
- financing schemes for the modernisation of regional and local heating and cooling systems (e.g. district heating and cooling, new renewable or low-carbon heating and cooling systems’ installation in buildings and related energy efficiency measures in new and existing buildings), such as through commercial and other banks, International Financial institutions, and EU funding (ESIF & EFSI), including technical assistance tools (e.g. ELENA, JESSICA, etc.);
- policies, regulations, business models to improve energy efficiency at local level in heating and cooling in buildings.
The regions will be encouraged to work together and to share knowledge, complementing their capacities and skills and defining the basis for a long-term cooperation in the heating and cooling area. Finally, three participating regions can take part in case studies on identifying a suitable mix of EU funding sources for one of their projects.
Expected impacts include:
- Improved use of structural and research and innovation funds for those regions with particular interests in the thematic area of sustainable heating and cooling.
- Improved knowledge about available cost-effective heating and cooling technology solutions.
- Established long-term collaboration between regions (beyond the duration of this project).
- Learn more about the Smart Specialisation Platform here
- Read more about the Low Temperature District Heating here