The climate neutrality ambition established in the European Green Deal requires efficient solutions for sustainable energy. In this virtual session, the European Covenant of Mayors, COGEN Europe and CEDEC are joining forces to provide interdisciplinary perspectives on district heating (DH) as a sustainable energy solution on the local level, and share experiences.
Local and efficient energy generation will be key for delivering on all dimensions of the new Green Deal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – decarbonisation, just transition, competitiveness, resource efficiency, local & regional action and consumer empowerment.
DH is a solution for clean, sustainable and affordable energy. It enables tapping local resources, creating locals and a greener economy. By enabling the use of sustainable heat sources, it can contribute to the EU goal of an annual increase of renewable and residual heat & cold in the heating & cooling consumption by 1.3 p.p.. Cogeneration can supply heat to DHC, while supporting grids at times of peak demand.
However, developing infrastructures such as DH face challenges of integrated planning, stakeholder engagement, high up-front investments and long-term return on investment. Also, the significant contribution of these solutions is yet to be fully considered in the EU & national long-term strategies.
Re-watch our webinar HERE.
AGENDA
Welcome by the moderator
Gert De Block, Secretary General, CEDEC
Keynote speech
Cristian Bușoi, Member of the European Parliament
Panel discussion
Kamila Waciega, Director Energy & Public Affairs Department, Veolia
Lydia Hameeteman, Advisor and Project Manager Energy Transition Built Environment, City of Rotterdam