Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2026-04-29

Description

Description (EN):

In the Eastern Danube Region, district heating and cooling (DHC) systems face several common challenges to become financially and environmentally sustainable. DHC systems and district-heated buildings are often outdated, poor and inefficient, using (primarily imported) fossil fuels. Energy poverty, as well as the demand for government subsidies of fossil fuel consumption is high. This calls for both supply and demand side upgrades to reduce energy demand and fossil fuel usage. REHEATEAST aims to reduce DHC systems’ fossil energy demand and to integrate renewable energy and waste heat. It shall encourage multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral, public-private cooperation and develop, test, promote and distribute applicable (process, technical and nature-based) solutions catalysing and supporting the implementation of large-scale building and systems rehabilitation programs, as well as climate adaptation measures. Transnational cooperation enables the adaptation of existing good practices in similar contexts, and the joint development of adaptable cooperation and optimisation models focused on integrating digitalisation, standardisation, certification and green procurement opportunities, involving all relevant stakeholders (incl. public authorities, consumers, financial institutions, utilities, media, technology suppliers and construction firms). Developed models are tested in pilot actions. REHEATEAST also formulates policy recommendations addressing DHC systems’ common challenges in the Eastern Danube Region. REHEATEAST is in line with the REPowerEU plan (article 23 of the Renewable Energy Directive, and articles 23 and 24 of the Energy Efficiency Directive) and brings together the complementary knowledge and skills of 11 partners and 27 ASPs from 11 countries (that is all Danube Region countries facing the challenge of outdated district heating systems), including ministries, energy agencies, target users (DHC-operators and municipalities), as well as NGOs.

Actual Achievements (EN):

With the leadership of the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation from Hungary, eleven project partners and numerous associated organisations from 10 countries started cooperating in the REHEATEAST project on 1 January 2024 to reduce the fossil energy demand of DHC systems in the Eastern Danube Region. The Lead Partner (LP) successfully coordinated the project start- up phase via the signature of basic legal documents, creating a project management Handbook, an Implementation Plan, a Flowchart, and hosting an online warming- up meeting to help partners familiarize themselves with the Danube Program rules and the details of REHEATEAST. A Steering Committee including one representative per partner was set up to direct the cooperation. The LP initiated several online meetings with the partners responsible for coordinating content activities (Specific Objective leaders). The DRP subsite of the project, as well as the REHEATEAST social media sites have been launched. The project was designed in such a way that partners at the beginning of the collaboration gather international and national knowledge about the actual DHC situation to be able to set up realistic optimisation and cooperation models later on and to get policymakers to acknowledge those. To reach this goal, the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar from HR (EIHP), supported by the International Fund Development and Coordination Agency from HU, the Slovenian Jožef Stefan Institute and the Lead Partner, elaborated a Stakeholder identification and communication plan and drafted the related stakeholder survey methodology. These aim to identify key information sources and to get up-to-date knowledge about the technical, regulatory, social & financial conditions of the DHC system in the Danube Region, to reveal the gaps in them, and to find the best applicable good practices in the region. To support the identification and sharing of this knowledge, the LP set- up an online knowledge repository. The 1st Interregional Partner Workshop was organized in Zagreb on 9-10 April 2024. At the meeting, partners and their associated partners had a thorough and intense discussion on the content of the stakeholder survey, the available data sources and on the phenomena of jointly working together on the completion of the document on local/regional level with the associated partners and with further stakeholders. Partners acknowledged that getting available, valid, valuable and later- on comparable data is crucial, and these discussions were key to provide a solid basis for future implementation. The surveying of stakeholders and the analysis of the current status quo in the region are the deliverables setting the thematic agenda of REHEATEAST in the coming two years. Discussions started with the responsible partner, the Jožef Stefan Institute, on how to analyze and compare the survey results on the most effective way. REHEATEAST also targets to have an impact on regional and national policies upon having tangible results. The designing of REHEATEAST’s communication processes by the Lead partner will support the dissemination of results. The partnership will gather next time in Slovenia in the autumn of 2024 where the focus will be on the creation of multi-stakeholder cooperation and optimisation models based on the results of the analyses phase. During the 2nd Period, the REHEATEAST project partnership made significant progress toward achieving its goals. With administrative and management start-up tasks finalized in the 1st Period, the partnership was able to fully focus on the thematic implementation of the project. The Lead Partner (LP) maintained financial oversight through an internal financial monitoring system, while Specific Objective leaders ensured the development of their respective objectives. To facilitate the process, LP organized monthly meetings with Specific Objective leaders to track and coordinate implementation efforts. One of the key milestones achieved during this period was the completion of A.1.1 under Specific Objective 1 by PP3_EIHP. Given its close connection to A.1.2, partners were able to initiate work on A.1.2 following A.1.1’s completion. Additionally, the partnership successfully conducted the 2nd Interregional Partner Workshop on the 15th-16th October in Moravske Toplice, where partners met in person to launch Specific Objective 2. This objective focuses on fostering multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral public-private cooperation for optimizing district heating and cooling (DHC) systems. Building on findings from Specific Objective 1, PP3_EIHP led efforts to develop multi-stakeholder cooperation and optimization models aimed at improving DHC system efficiency. Special emphasis was placed on aligning these models with EU principles and fostering stakeholder interaction. During the workshop, partners engaged in discussions using a World Café format led by PP3_EIHP to refine the methodology and models. Furthermore, partners began developing pilot activities under the guidance of PP5_LEAPOM, ensuring that pilot results could be integrated into the cooperation and optimization models in D.1.2.2. The workshop also provided an opportunity for LP_Pannon to convene the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting, where key management issues were addressed. Several Associated Strategic Partners (ASPs) participated, highlighting the importance of their support for the pilot actions and providing essential expertise on DHC. As Specific Objective 2 serves as the backbone of the REHEATEAST project, including 10 pilots and the dissemination of their outcomes, LP organized an additional online partner meeting to discuss partners’ pilot initiatives, allowing Specific Objective Leaders to ensure alignment with project goals. Additionally, partners collaboratively developed the framework for international workgroups under A.2.2. This framework included preparations for multi-stakeholder cooperation, testing optimization models, enhancing professional communication, and developing joint tools to drive the twin green and digital transition. Another notable achievement was the strengthening of synergies with other EU-funded projects: During the 2nd Interregional Partner Workshop, partners were introduced to two fellow EU-funded projects: GeoHeCo and Store4HUC, and LP participated in NRGCOM’s roundtable discussions on energy communities. These connections help enhance the impact of REHEATEAST by sharing knowledge and best practices. Moreover, the project gained visibility through participation in professional events such as the Modern Science and Energy Conference in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and the Power & Energy Masters Conference 2025 in Linz. Some partners also represented the project in regional media, contributing to broader public awareness. To further boost outreach, the Lead Partner continued to maintain an active presence on social media and ensured regular updates on the project website. These efforts have helped disseminate key project findings, foster engagement with stakeholders, and highlight the added value of international cooperation in achieving sustainable energy solutions. In summary, the 2nd Period of the REHEATEAST project has been marked by strong progress in thematic implementation, successful interregional collaboration, and the establishment of pivotal pilot activities. The project’s growing engagement with external initiatives and stakeholders continues to strengthen its impact, paving the way for innovative approaches to optimizing DHC systems and advancing the green and digital transition. The REHEATEAST partnership has made important progress in moving from analysis and planning from previous periods to the implementation of concrete pilot actions. By the third period, all preparatory tasks, including stakeholder mapping, collection of good practices and status quo analysis, have been completed, laying the foundation for the launching of pilot projects and development of optimisation and cooperation models. From the project's start, the partnership has been consistently building up strong communication to support the dissemination of knowledge and tools that will strengthen the sustainability and efficiency of District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems in the Danube Region. LP facilitated the process during this reporting period; they provided the partnership with templates for flyers and social media accounts so the REHEATEST project can be presented uniformly. Specific Objective 1 (Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping) was successfully completed in this period. Partners finalised the analysis of the technical, regulatory, financial and social conditions of DHC systems and mapped the main challenges, barriers, and opportunities in participating countries. One of the key deliverables was translated into national languages and published online, improving accessibility for local stakeholders. A major achievement was the launch of the REHEATEAST interactive visualisation platform (reheateast.neuzrt.hu), which allows users to explore DHC data, good practices, and development opportunities across the region. This tool enhances knowledge sharing and provides added value for municipalities, energy companies, and policymakers. Specific Objective 2 (Cooperation Models and Pilot Implementation) advanced significantly, laying the foundation for transnational testing of solutions. The consortium developed a joint methodology and model framework for DHC optimisation, consolidating earlier separate approaches into a unified structure. Although finalisation of these models was shifted to the next period, all 10 pilot projects were defined in a Scoping Report and entered into implementation. These pilots target both demand-side and supply-side challenges, such as improving energy efficiency in multi-apartment buildings, community labs for stakeholder engagement, and integrating renewable energy into district heating systems. Transnational workgroups on financing schemes and performance analysis were established, and interactive sessions were held, helping partners and stakeholders prepare for long-term sustainability and replication of results. Specific Objective 3 (Policy and Communication) also progressed, with partners advancing from general communication activities to building policy dialogue and strengthening dissemination activities. Several media campaigns, professional presentations, and academic publications were conducted, ensuring the project's wide visibility. Partners collaborated with related European initiatives such as the Life REDI4HEAT and Life C4C projects, creating synergies and expanding the reach of REHEATEAST. While the finalisation of policy dialogue methodology and recommendations was postponed, preparatory work has begun and will continue in the next period. Overall, the project has demonstrated the added value of transnational cooperation by pooling expertise from a wide circle of stakeholders, including municipalities, research institutions, SMEs, utilities, and NGOs across the Danube Region. A key milestone of this reporting period was the 3rd Interregional Partner Workshop in Kragujevac, which gathered all partners, Associated Strategic Partners, and local stakeholders. The event was organised with strong support from the LP. The workshop provided an opportunity to validate the structure of the optimisation models, refine pilot concepts, and plan upcoming deliverables. It also hosted the project’s First Year Review meeting with the Joint Secretariat, which formally assessed and validated the project’s progress. The JS confirmed that REHEATEAST is firmly on track, providing the partnership with valuable feedback and strong recognition that its implementation is aligned with programme objectives and regional needs. In summary, Period 3 has shown that the project has moved beyond planning and is now delivering tangible outputs: a completed analysis, a regional knowledge platform, established pilot concepts, active pilot launches, and expanding dissemination activities. These achievements provide a solid foundation for the upcoming phases, during which pilot results will be consolidated into policy recommendations and shared more broadly with stakeholders and the public.

Project outputs: Project partners and associated strategic partners cooperating across borders for reducing GHG emissions, waste, costs, fossil fuel imports, energy poverty and risks and increasing transparency(EN)
Implementation of 2 types of pilot actions in 8 REHEATEAST locations, including the testing of 2 demand side community lab processes and 2 supply side optimisation processes(EN)
Two solutions developed and validated via pilot actions, including a stakeholder-inclusive demand side DHC development process, and a holistic, integrated supply side DHC improvement solution(EN)

Thematic information

Governance, partnership Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.2. Promoting renewable energy in accordance with Directive (EU) 2018/2001, including the sustainability criteria set out therein

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 045 Energy efficiency renovation or energy efficiency measures regarding public infrastructure, demonstration projects and supporting measures compliant with energy efficiency criteria

Partners (12)

Lead Partner: Pannon Európai Területi Társulás

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 18287053-1-02

Address: Széchenyi square, 7621 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: EGTC

Website: http://www.pannonegtc.eu

Total budget: EUR 361 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 289 424.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 72 356.00

Contractors:

Name: Jövő generációkért NKft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32659108-1-42
Name: Wootsch and Partners
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25470754-2-41
Name: HBH Stratégia és FejlesztésKft
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10412426-2-41

ABE BALKAN ZA INOVACIJE U EVROPI DOO Bačka Topola

Name: ABE BALKAN ZA INOVACIJE U EVROPI DOO Bačka Topola

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 112214557

Address: Janka Veselinovića , 24300 Bačka Topola, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Total budget: EUR 149 277.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 422.39

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 855.60

Contractors:

Name: Ex Ante Consulting Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU12951501

ФОНДАЦИЯ ЦЕНТЪР ЗА ЕНЕРГИНЙ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТ ЕНЕФЕКТ

Name: ФОНДАЦИЯ ЦЕНТЪР ЗА ЕНЕРГИНЙ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТ ЕНЕФЕКТ

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 121616085

Address: Hristo Smirnenski Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.eneffect.bg

Total budget: EUR 205 102.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 164 081.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 020.40

Resursni Aarhus centar u Bosni i Hercegovini

Name: Resursni Aarhus centar u Bosni i Hercegovini

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4201845580006

Address: Behdžeta Mutevelića, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://aarhus.ba/

Total budget: EUR 145 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 116 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 160.00

Contractors:

Name: Aalborg CSP A/S
VAT registration or tax identification number: 21142042

Institut Jožef Stefan

Name: Institut Jožef Stefan

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI55560822

Address: Jamova cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ijs.si/ijsw/V001/JSI

Total budget: EUR 192 698.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 154 158.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 539.60

Stalna konferencija gradova i opština – Savez gradova i opština Srbije

Name: Stalna konferencija gradova i opština – Savez gradova i opština Srbije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100043725

Address: Makedonska street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.skgo.org

Total budget: EUR 161 462.66

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 129 170.12

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 292.54

Contractors:

Name: INDUSTRIAL 1853 doo Kragujevac
VAT registration or tax identification number: 111205622
Name: LEMM CONSULTING Vrbas
VAT registration or tax identification number: 110839424
Name: Andreja Milošević
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: Platform For Energy Transition
VAT registration or tax identification number: 114102739

Európske zoskupenie územnej spolupráce Via Carpatia s ručením obmedzeným

Name: Európske zoskupenie územnej spolupráce Via Carpatia s ručením obmedzeným

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2023851126

Address: Námestie Maratónu mieru, 042 66 Košice, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: EGTC

Website: https://www.viacarpatia.eu

Total budget: EUR 169 951.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 960.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 990.25

Lokalna energetska agencija za Pomurje

Name: Lokalna energetska agencija za Pomurje

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI88018822

Address: Martjanci street, 9221 Martjanci , Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.lea-pomurje.si

Total budget: EUR 186 624.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 299.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 324.80

Contractors:

Name: ZEON d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI58289151

Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca

Name: Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO22736939

Address: Memorandumului, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.utcluj.ro/en/

Total budget: EUR 163 193.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 130 554.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 638.60

Energetski institut Hrvoje Požar

Name: Energetski institut Hrvoje Požar

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR43980170614

Address: Savska cesta street, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.eihp.hr/

Total budget: EUR 303 322.51

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 658.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 60 664.51

Contractors:

Name: EnterTeh
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR05995749084
Name: Emasys
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR15121151843
Name: OBRT KLAUSBERG MONTAŽA
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR57204759134
Name: Petrol
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR75550985023
Name: GLOBAL LINK D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR18706682425
Name: HUP Zagreb d.d.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR66859264899

Nemzetközi Fejlesztési és Forráskoordinációs Ügynökség Zrt.

Name: Nemzetközi Fejlesztési és Forráskoordinációs Ügynökség Zrt.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 24134387241

Address: Montevideo utca, 1037 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://nffku.hu/

Total budget: EUR 175 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 384.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 096.00

Contractors:

Name: Smartsols Group Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32455681-2-13
Name: Szintézis Informatikai Zrt.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 12890341-2-08

ABE Renewable d o o

Name: ABE Renewable d o o

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 112214557

Address: Put Jabuka, 24416 Male Pijace, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.arundobioeneregy.rs

Total budget: EUR 179 278.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 143 422.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 855.60

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

ABE Balkan for Innovation in Europe Ltd.

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Center for Energy Efficiency Eneffect

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Resource Aarhus Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Jožef Stefan Institute

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Európske zoskupenie územnej spolupráce Via Carpatia s ručením obmedzeným

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

LOCAL ENERGY AGENCY POMURJE

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

IDEFA

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

ABE Renewable

Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

Project acronym: REHEATEAST

Project ID: DRP0200401

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

TARGET-CE, E-FIX, ComAct, SMAFIN, BESMART, GreenDeal4Buildings, Padova Fit Expanded, RENOHUB (EN) | Capitalise on outputs of past EU (Danube Interreg, Interreg CE, LIFE, etc.) projects focusing on building (DHC demand side) energy renovation, digital tools, financing, engagement for it in (a part of) the REHEATEAST region. Keep selected outputs publicly available on project site and translate selected outputs:
# TARGET-CE OnePlace online energy efficiency platform that collects capitalised and adjusted solutions of Interreg-CE and other projects (collection of best practices, databases of experts and material, strategies and action plans, tools, educational material, financial road maps and 3D cities).
# E-FIX (Energy Financing Mix): Information, tools concerning the commercial financing of energy efficiency. Case study analysis of alternative financing of energy projects, Energy policy profiles for HR and CZ.
# ComAct (Community Tailored Actions for Energy Poverty Mitigation) - energy efficient improvements in multi-family apartment buildings in CEE and CIS: Community engagement and financial tools, reports with special regards to pilots in BG, HU and UA, Educational Materials.
# SMAFIN, BESMART, GreenDeal4Buildings, Padova Fit Expanded: Collection of best practices, reports, country factsheets (on energy efficiency investments), webinars, tools and guidance on financial instruments and supportive measures for energy efficiency investments in buildings in BG, HR, RO, SK and CZ. Some relevant examples: Selection of energy efficiency policy measures to be redesigned (BG, HR, RO); factsheets of national energy efficiency financing roundtables in BG, HR, RO, SK; networking with members of the SMAFIN online e-forum to engage them in REHEATEAST.
# RENOHUB: Reports on residential building energy efficiency improvement motivations, financing tools and technical-engineering aspects in HU. Research on homeowners’ motivations, drivers and obstacles. (EN), CE HEAT, DARLING-e, ENTRAIN, GreenLine (EN) | Capitalise on outputs of past EU (Danube Interreg, Interreg CE, LIFE, etc.) projects focusing on DHC systems (DHC supply side) optimisation, waste heat, geothermal & other renewable heat utilisation in (a part of) the REHEATEAST region. Keep selected outputs publicly available on project site and translate selected outputs (at least those underlined) into local languages:
# CE HEAT (Comprehensive model of waste heat utilisation in CE regions): Waste heat mapping tool (transnational waste heat platform), waste heat cadastre, waste heat recovery calculator decision support system and waste heat policy pilots. The Decision Support System is a tool which shows how waste heat could be recovered in industrial processes. The output is a pre-feasibility study useful also for policy makers to define which incentive schemes should be developed to make waste heat recovery an attractive investment.
# DARLING-e: Transnational Danube Region Geothermal Strategy, Summary report on EU legislation and policies, best practices. Danube Region Geothermal Information Platform, which provides technical and non-technical information. Geothermal Energy Use, country updates for BA, HU, HR, RO, SRB, UA, SK, SI.
# ENTRAIN (Renewable District Heating for Central Europe): Reports, training toolbox (project development, funding, emissions, operation, quality management) for public authorities and agencies and quality management toolbox.
# GreenLine: Slovenia-Hungary Interreg project on geothermal energy and building energy efficiency. Key output: list of suggested steps. (EN), INNOVATE, EEnvest, QualitEE, REFINE, EUROPA One Stop Shop, RenOnBill (EN) | Capitalise on outputs of past EU projects on building (DHC demand side) energy renovation, digital tools or financing. Keep selected outputs publicly available on project website and translate selected outputs into local languages:
# INNOVATE, EUROPA One Stop Shop: Inventory of best practices, business model reports. Set of technical specifications, procedures, and standard contractual arrangements to ensure guaranteed energy savings from the deep renovation of residential buildings.
# EEnvest, QualitEE, REFINE and RenOnBill: Information, tools concerning the commercial financing of energy efficiency. Quality certification frameworks for energy efficiency services. RenOnBill: On-bill financing business model development guidelines that provides practical guidelines to any energy utility or other market actor interested in developing an on-bill financing offer for the deep energy renovation of residential buildings, based on a cooperation between energy utilities and financial institutions. (EN), KEEP WARM, PLANHEAT, HeatNet NEW, ReUseHeat, CA-RES, Clever Cities (EN) | Capitalise on outputs of past EU projects focusing on DHC systems (DHC supply side) optimisation, waste heat, geothermal utilisation, decreasing district cooling needs by nature-based solutions overall in the EU. Keep selected outputs publicly available on project site and translate selected outputs into local languages:
# KEEP WARM: Report and action plans for improving DHC, e.g. Improving the performance of District Heating Systems in Central and Eastern Europe Development of Multi-level policy Plans – Action plans for retrofitting of District Heating Systems.
# PLANHEAT: Digital open-source tool for public authorities.
# HeatNet NWE: Transition roadmaps, report, guidance for cities and towns and case studies.
# ReUseHeat: Handbook, map, training modules, reports.
# CA-RES (Concerted Action Renewable Energy Sources Directive) report: Working group 4: RES and district heating.
# Clever Cities: Solutions, guidance and open-sourced data. (EN), BungEES, DigiBUILD, MESTRI-CE, Managenergy, Renoverty (EN) | Build synergies with ongoing EU projects and initiatives focusing on building (DHC demand side) energy renovation, digital tools, financing, engagement for it in the REHEATEAST region:
# BungEES (Building Up Next-Generation Smart Energy Services Offer and Market Up-take Valorising Energy Efficiency and Flexibility at Demand-Side) develops an integrated package (a one-stop-shop package) of novel smart energy efficiency services (EES) integrating energy efficiency and distributed generation, demand response, e-mobility, energy storage/hybrid energy systems and integrating different energy sectors (e.g., electricity with heating and cooling), develops innovative financing and rewarding solutions and analyses the integration of non-energy benefits and non-energy services. Focus will be on identifying and overcoming market, regulatory and other barriers for integrated energy efficiency. It covers SK, CZ and SI.
# DigiBUILD focuses on eliminating data silos, using high-quality data and digital services for building improvement. It will have a deep building energy renovation pilot in Iasi, RO.
# MESTRI-CE introduces a new investment model to finance more climate-friendly buildings that guarantee sustainability. The model covers both the supply and demand side of the renovation market and builds on data collected, tools and green standards. It covers HR and SI.
# Managenergy: cooperation in training events.
# Renoverty (Home Renovation Roadmaps to Address Energy Poverty in Vulnerable Rural Districts) focuses on housing renovation in HR, HU, SI. (EN), SENERGY NETS, D2Heat, GreenScape CE, 3DIVERSE, TRANSGEO, HungAIRy (EN) | Build synergies with ongoing EU projects and initiatives focusing on DHC systems (DHC supply side) optimisation, waste heat, geothermal and other renewable heat, nature-based solutions utilisation, promoting renewable energy investment in the REHEATEAST region:
# SENERGY NETS: Increase the synergy among different energy networks through multi-energy systems, with multiple partners from Ljubljana, SI, one of them being the DHC supplier that is an ASP in REHEATEAST.
# D2Heat is a HR district heating sector support facility that aims to launch 39,9M€ investments by the end of the action. The 4 largest DHC companies in HR covering 98% of total heat delivered are part of the project consortium.
# GreenScape CE pilots the application of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure approaches against urban heat islands in five cities, including cities with major DHC systems like Zagreb, HR, Ptuj, SI and Szeged, HU.
# 3DIVERSE aims to launch over 30M€ investments into sustainable energy infrastructure in SI by the end of the action.
# TRANSGEO investigates the potentials of such abandoned gas and oil wells for producing and storing geothermal energy. It develops a transnational strategy and regional action plans. It covers HR, HU and SI as well.
# HungAIRy promotes district heating, as one of the measures to improve air quality in HU. (EN), ASCEND, ATELIER, ConnectHeat, NBS4LOCAL, NetZeroCities, REDI4Heat, Ready4netzero + further related initiatives: CELSIUS, CoM, EEMI, EPAH, SEFA (EN) | Build synergies with ongoing EU projects and initiatives focusing on building energy efficiency, DHC systems, municipal climate & energy policies:
# ASCEND (Accelerate positive Clean Energy Districts), cities include Alba Iulia (RO), Budapest (HU).
# ATELIER focuses on positive energy districts, including HU and SK capitals.
# ConnectHeat (Community engagement for clean heat) improves public authorities’ capacities in renewables and energy efficiency of heating and cooling. BG and HR are represented.
# NBS4LOCAL: Adopting nature-based solutions to improve the climate resilience of local governments, lead partner: Ministry of Interior, HU.
# NetZeroCities: assists cities (e.g in HR, HU, RO, SI, SK) to overcome barriers they face in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
# REDI4Heat supports HR in its national energy strategy, to develop tools to speed up the deployment of renewable heating and cooling systems.
# Ready4netzero: Municipal training, networking, peer-to-peer learning in HU, HR, RO for local long-term climate neutrality strategies (by EUKI).
# CELSIUS: helps cities plan, develop and optimise their DHC networks. Collaboration in thematic topics and engaging DHC stakeholders.
# CoM (Covenant of Mayors Initiative) – outreach (most major cities with DHC systems in the REHEATEAST region are signatories). Events collaboration to engage municipal stakeholders in the sustainable energy field.
# EEMI (Energy Efficient Mortgages Initiative): developing a new, energy efficient mortgage ecosystem, for renovating homes. Collaboration in engaging financial enterprises.
# EPAH (Energy Poverty Advisory Hub): EU initiative on local action against energy poverty. Provides technical assistance to municipalities, e.g. in HR, HU, RO. Collaboration in capacity building.
# SEFA (Sustainable Energy Finance Association) is the European trade association for sustainable energy industry. Collaboration in key service areas: Communication; Capacity Building; Finance & Policy. (EN), Low Carbon Ukraine, EU for Green Agenda in Serbia, UN District Energy Initiative for Serbia
(EN) | Build synergies with ongoing EU and other projects and initiatives focusing on building energy efficiency, DHC systems, municipal climate, energy, green procurement policies in REHEATEAST countries outside of the EU:
# Low Carbon Ukraine: Policy advice on low-carbon policies for Ukraine, as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of Germany. Collaboration in thematic content and engaging municipalities will increase the impacts of both initiatives.
# EU for Green Agenda in Serbia (appr. budget EUR 100m) supports the development of adequate legal and policy framework and innovative and impactful green investments - renovations of buildings and public utility systems in the public sector so as to reduce energy consumption, use of fossil fuels, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the EIB. Collaboration in thematic content and engaging municipalities will increase the impacts of both initiatives
# UN District Energy in Cities Initiative – Serbia. Belgrade is a pilot city of both the District Energy in Cities Initiative and the Building Efficiency Accelerator. A study “Aligning district energy and building energy efficiency – Belgrade - A view on strategic integrations” was developed. Collaboration in thematic content and engaging municipalities will increase the impacts of both initiatives.
# Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) providing EUR 500 m for the energy transition. Cooperation primarily with the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme within it for financing, achieving impact.
# Second District Heating Efficiency Improvement Project by the World Bank, to be completed in 2025, to upgrade the DHC system of Chisinau, MD with USD 82 million. Cooperation will increase the impacts of both initiatives. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 214 691.40

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 771 753.10

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Stakeholder identification and communication plan
Joint stakeholder survey and analysis methodology
1st Interregional Partner Workshop
Knowledge sharing and engagement tools/channels
DHC stakeholder survey & analysis of results
Analyse & promote challenges, gaps, good practices
Comparing institutional/legal/financial status quo
2nd Interregional Partner Workshop
Joint methodology for DHC optimisation models
Developing DHC optimisation models
3rd Interregional Partner Workshop
Gap analysis of current practices and policies
Scoping pilot locations/stakeholders/technologies
Transnational Workgroup on financing schemes
Transnational Workgroup on performance analysis
Transnational demand side community lab pilot 1
Transnational supply-side optimisation pilot 1
Transnational demand side community lab pilot 2
Transnational supply-side optimisation pilot 2
Promote demand side pilot results to target users
Promote supply side pilot results to target users
Transnational professional workshops
Joint policy dialogue and improvement methodology
Policy and DHC optimisation recommendations
Regional stakeholder conferences
Online training for professionals/policy-makers
Dissemination of validated solutions
Creating a network of supportive policy makers
REHEATEAST Uptake and Policy Improvement Strategy
Design local and national communication processes
Media appearances, events, involvement campaigns
Representing the project at professional events
REHEATEAST Conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion REHEATEAST aligns with EUSDR, directly contributing to PA2 ‘To encourage more sustainable energy’, and PA6 ‘To preserve biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils’, as follows:
# PA2 Actions
## “To extend the use of biomass, solar energy, geothermal, hydropower and wind power” by exploring renewable energy utilisation options in district heating systems in pilot projects;
## “To explore the possibility to have an increased energy production originating from local renewable energy sources to increase the energy autonomy” by scoping local DHC technical features and optimising pilot projects accordingly;
## “To promote energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in buildings and heating systems” by aiming at reducing DHC systems’ fossil energy demand and integrating renewable energy and waste heat as the project’s overall goal;
## “To facilitate networking and cooperation between national authorities in order to promote awareness and increase the use of renewable energies” by bringing on board 11 Danube Region countries in a partnership to jointly develop, test and distribute solutions for large-scale building and systems rehabilitation programs, by facilitating integrating them into local policies and by influencing national and regional planning and management policies to develop more integrated and efficient DHC transition approaches;
# PA6 Actions:
## “To decrease air pollutants” through its overall objective, sc. reducing DHC systems’ fossil energy demand;
## “To build capacities of local authorities in the environment-related matters” by its activities under SO3. Communication and capacity building for improved policy and decision-making environment.
REHEATEAST also contributes indirectly to PA10 ‘To step up institutional capacity and cooperation’ through its multi-level partnership and its capacity building activities under SO3; and by targeting and involving the demand side through its transnational community lab pilots.
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal sets the goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It envisions transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, economic growth decoupled from resource use and that every person and region are taken into account during the transition to a sustainable future.
REHEATEAST has the overall objective of transforming district heating systems by reducing fossil energy demand and integrating renewable energy and waste heat. This strongly aligns with the objectives of the EU Green Deal, which aim to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As energy production and use account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, decarbonizing the energy system is crucial to meet these targets.
REHEATEAST contributes to clean energy transition and the key principles of the Green Deal of “ensuring a secure and affordable EU energy supply” and “prioritising energy efficiency by improving the energy performance of buildings and developing a power sector based largely on renewable sources”, as well as its recently revised rules on efficient district heating and cooling, to ensure a fully decarbonised district heating and cooling supply by 2050. It does so by focusing on reducing energy demand through transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and waste heat, in a way that not only reduces emissions but also provides long-term financial and environmental sustainability resulting in improved energy efficiency of buildings.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda underlines the importance of strategic spatial planning and calls for strengthening the territorial dimension of sector policies at all governance levels. It seeks to promote an inclusive and sustainable future for all places and to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Europe.
REHEATEAST’s goals are in line with the challenges to be addressed drawn up in the Territorial Agenda 2030. Specifically, it contributes to the Agenda’s principle of “Secure, affordable and sustainable energy” by promoting diversified energy production and supply, integrating renewable energy sources into district heating while at the same time reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Moreover, it is in line with the Agenda’s principle of Just Transition, as it targets not only the supply but the demand side dedicating two pilot projects to test stakeholder-inclusive (citizens, municipality) processes.
The project also contributes to the Agenda’s Circular Economy principle by promoting the utilisation of waste heat as energy source, thus building on local assets in the energy transition process for a more place-based circular economy. Another priority of the Agenda is “to create resilient communities by encouraging the strengthening of innovation capacities in all regions, including local strategies for energy transition in the building sector”. REHEATEAST contributes to this by developing the Joint Uptake and Policy Improvement Strategy including among others a collection of joint policy recommendations to address short-, medium- and long-term institutional, legal and financial difficulties at local, national and macroregional level and a strategic pathway of specific and joint commitments and steps of PPs and ASPs to overcome existing gaps, apply models, and stimulate transfer and uptake of project outcomes.
Lastly, by promoting decarbonization in district heating systems, it contributes to the Agenda’s “Air, soil and water quality” principle.
Other EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and its amending directive,
EU Energy Efficiency Directive:
Buildings account for roughly 40% of the European Union's energy use, and most are heated by fossil fuels. To boost energy performance of buildings, the EU has established a legislative framework that includes the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive. The directives promote policies to help achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, create a stable environment for investment decisions and enable consumers and businesses to make more informed choices to save energy and money.
Both directives were amended in 2018 and 2019, introducing new elements and showing the EU’s commitment to modernise the buildings sector in light of technological improvements and to increase building renovations. The amending directive covers a broad range of policies and support measures to help national EU governments boost energy performance of buildings and improve the existing building stock. Among others, these are the obligations to create long-term renovation strategies, aiming at decarbonising the national building stocks by 2050, achieving the national energy and climate plans (NECPs) energy efficiency targets; to set cost-optimal minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings, for existing buildings undergoing major renovation, and for the replacement or retrofit of building elements like heating and cooling systems, roofs and walls; and to make national financial measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
The greatest contribution of REHEATEAST (while being also highly aligned with the REPowerEU plan) to the directives is the expected impact of proposed policies and measures of national economic development and expected energy savings in the national building stock through better planning and monitoring.
Other EU Renewable Energy Directive:
The current Renewable Energy Directive entered into force in 2018, as part of the Clean energy for all Europeans package, aimed at keeping the EU a global leader in renewables and, more broadly, helping it to meet its emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The directive establishes a new binding renewable energy target for the EU for 2030 of at least 32%, with a clause for a possible upwards revision by 2023. This target is a continuation of the 20% target for 2020. In order to help EU countries deliver on this target, the directive introduces new measures for various sectors of the economy, particularly on heating and cooling and transport, where progress has been slower. It also includes new provisions to enable citizens to play an active role in the development of renewables by enabling renewable energy communities and self-consumption of renewable energy; and establishes strengthened criteria to ensure bioenergy's sustainability.
In 2021, the Commission proposed another revision of the directive, raising the target to 40% (up from 32%), as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package to deliver on the European Green Deal. Less than a year later, in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the need to further step up our energy independence from fossil fuels, the Commission proposed to further increase this target to 45% by 2030. In March 2023, a provisional agreement was reached, for a binding target for 2030 of at least 42.5%, but aiming for 45%. Once this process is completed, the new legislation will enter into force.
REHEATEAST will contribute to these ambitious goals by delivering practical, transferable and scalable solutions for the energy transition of DHC systems from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and waste heat both for the supply and demand side and by applying a wide-range of dissemination during the project for professionals, policy-makers, citizens and other interested parties.
Other National Energy and Climate Plans 2021-2030:
In order to meet the EU’s new energy and climate targets for 2030, Member States are required to establish a 10-year NECP for the period from 2021 to 2030. The NECPs – in line with EU regulation - include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the promotion of energy from renewable sources and energy efficiency.
REHEATEAST contributes to the national plans by facilitating the transition of district heating systems towards greater sustainability through the increased use of RES and reduced environmental impact, thereby accelerating the energy transition. It will involve research on the technical, regulatory, and financial conditions of district heating systems and it will identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency in order to attain NECP targets. REHEATEAST will also be aimed at educating users and building managers when it comes to the use and consumption of energy and awareness of energy efficiency and energy-efficient products and systems, as well as systems for the use of renewable energy sources.
Other National Long-term Building Renovation Strategies:
In line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, member states’ governments must establish long-term strategies for building renovation, aiming at decarbonising the national building stocks by 2050.
REHEATEAST contributes to these national strategies through its overall project aim to facilitate the energy transition in district heating towards a more sustainable one by integrating renewable energy sources and at the same time reducing the use and dependency on fossil fuels. The most notable contribution of REHEATEAST in this sense is the proposed policies and measures of national economic development and expected energy savings in the national building stock by offering solutions for better planning and monitoring.
Through REHEATEAST, the existing state of buildings will be analysed and the potential for energy renovation will be determined, including the potential for achieving energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions. It will also contribute to the creation of an operational model and the implementation of the energy renovation of buildings for the period up to 2025 with clearly defined activities and responsibilities for their implementation through the planned pilot projects and the developed district heating optimisation models.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 431 / 1 413 (101.27%)

Notes on the data

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Building local partnerships for reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems in the Eastern Danube Region

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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