Urbanisation and economic growth in large cities should be seen as a possibility rather than a threat to our environment. An eco-efficient economy can be built by cities with efficient energy systems. More use of district heating can play a significant role in reforming energy systems.

At EU level, district heating is still very much an untapped solution. With more than 5000 district heating systems in Europe, the sector accounts for 10 percent of residential and service heat demands. An international study, the Ecoheatcool project, has documented the potential for huge CO2 reductions, savings and reduction of energy imports that would result from doubling the share of district heating at EU level.

District heating is a local matter when it comes to development and ownership, since it is locally produced and locally used. But the climate benefits are European and global.  Therefore, it should be a top priority for national governments and the EU. How can financial and political support on an EU-level boost the development of district heating in more countries and in more cities?

The Swedish Presidency of the EU is promoting the concept of an eco-efficient economy. District heating is one of the most eco-efficient measures there is to combat climate change.

With representatives from all walks of life, we invite you to a workshop that intends to be an open forum for discussions on how to trigger the energy revolution the President of the Commission recently called for.

The workshop will consider how district heating can support actively the European ambitions to develop a new paradigm on to the way we use energy, and how our sector has the capacity to put the continent on the path of a low-resource energy system while increasing the quality of life and comfort for citizens.

The workshop also intends to provide input to the current discussion on energy efficiency at EU level.