| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | October 2024 - September 2027 | R2M Solution Italy |
LIFE |
Decarbonizing heating and cooling (H&C) – which currently accounts for half of the EU’s final energy consumption and mainly relies on fossil fuels (75%) – is one of the EU's priorities as stated in the energy transition strategy defined in the EU Green Deal. This strategy emphasizes the need to move towards renewable H&C, in contrast to the previous focus on renewable electricity alone promoted by earlier EU and Member States' priorities.
Fostering effective energy system integration across multiple energy carriers, infrastructures, and consumption sectors is essential to address the climate and energy challenge and facilitate the transition towards the 2030 decarbonization goals and 2050 climate neutrality. In this framework, District Heating and Cooling Networks (DHCN) represent a strategic solution by:
- Integrating local renewables and waste heat sources (from industrial and commercial activities);
- Creating a link to energy efficiency in buildings (as promoted by the Renovation Wave, recast of EPBD, and other similar initiatives);
- Providing flexibility to the electricity grid (intermittent renewable electricity production) through cost-effective balance and storage, exploiting Power-to-Heat technologies, e.g., large-scale heat pumps coupled with thermal storages.
The DHC SwEEtch project aims to provide technical support to operators of existing District Heating and Cooling Networks (DHCN) to prepare decarbonization roadmaps for 2050 and related investment plans within a 10-year horizon. The project organizes technical support for DH operators through a “4-link support chain”: mapping, modelling, assessing and, generating investment plans.
Within the DHC SwEEtch project, RINA acts as the expert for assessing activities, bringing expertise in the techno-economic assessment of energy systems and is responsible for preparing prefeasibility studies for case studies. RINA also leads the analysis of contractual and business model implications of the selected scenarios, contributes to replication and training activities, and leads impact assessment activities.
The DHC SwEEtch integrated tool chain will be deployed to 10 case studies to prepare 10 investment plans. Acknowledging national geographical, political, and socio-economic differences across Europe, DHC SwEEtch will be based on case studies identified across EU countries linked to Consortium partners: Italy, Croatia, and Poland.
Five pioneer case studies, linked to four DH operators (with signed Letters of Commitment), have been selected and preliminarily characterized. Five replicator case studies will be identified by launching a dedicated open call to engage additional DH operators.
DHC SwEEtch ensures a one-stop solution for energy utilities and DHCN operators seeking technical support in the complex process of DHCN retrofitting, leveraging the collective proficiency of each specialized partner involved. This collaborative effort not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of consultancy services but also offers a versatile and adaptable approach to address the diverse needs of clients in the evolving landscape of DHCN retrofitting. Key activities for the successful implementation of this exploitation strategy involve adapting the DHC SwEEtch approach to suit the specific contexts and peculiarities of different national settings, such as varying contractual arrangements and costs.
