Rising energy prices, CO₂ emission taxes, and aging heating systems make the transformation of the heating and cooling sector inevitable. If current practices continue, heating costs will only increase. Therefore, new solutions are needed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure an economically sustainable heating supply.
These issues were discussed in Valmiera on February 4–5, where partners of the Green4HEAT project and experts from eight European countries gathered to exchange knowledge and explore the implementation of low-temperature district heating (LTDH) networks.
Green4HEAT Project Partners: Progress Evaluation and Future Directions
The Green4HEAT project partners met to assess the progress made so far and to discuss the next steps in developing sustainable heating and cooling systems in Europe. The event featured presentations on policy instruments and best practices from various European countries, showcasing different approaches to modernizing the heating sector.
Experts also analysed the challenges municipalities face when transitioning to LTDH and the lessons learned from regions where such systems have already been introduced.
International Working Group: From Theory to Practical Simulations
An international working group, organized by the Vidzeme Planning Region in collaboration with Riga Technical University (RTU), focused on practical solutions for the adoption of low-temperature district heating networks and their adaptation in Latvia and other countries.
“We must act now – waiting another ten years will only increase costs for municipalities and residents. Sustainable heating is a realistic solution that brings both economic and environmental benefits,” emphasized Dagnija Blumberga, professor at RTU and energy expert.
The working group explored best practice examples from different European countries where LTDH networks have already been successfully implemented. Experts presented concrete strategies for optimizing energy consumption, reducing CO₂ emissions, and improving heating supply sustainability.
To deepen understanding, participants engaged in a practical exercise using a simulation tool developed by RTU. This tool allowed users to model different LTDH implementation scenarios, analyzing factors such as heat source selection, network configuration, infrastructure investment, and financial models and their impact on long-term system efficiency and costs.
“This simulation exercise showed that a successful transition to LTDH requires not only technological advancements but also strategic planning and collaboration between municipalities, heating service providers, and residents. Political support and appropriate financial mechanisms are also crucial,” noted Vladimirs Kirsanovs, researcher at RTU.
Best Practices from Europe – Real Solutions in Action
Sustainable heating and cooling solutions are being introduced across Europe, and several successful case studies were presented during the International Working Group in Valmiera. Participants explored examples demonstrating how heating costs can be reduced, dependence on fossil fuels can be decreased, and renewable energy sources can be integrated to improve energy efficiency—especially in urban environments and public buildings.
- Poland (Szczecin) – Energy-efficient public administration buildings with geothermal heating.
The West Pomeranian Regional Administration buildings in Szczecin are nearly zero-energy buildings, designed to consume as little external energy as possible. Heating and cooling are provided through geothermal probes and heat pumps, efficiently supplying the required thermal energy. Heat recovery systems further enhance efficiency by reducing heat losses and maximizing energy reuse. To further reduce environmental impact, solar panels have been installed on the buildings’ rooftops, generating electricity for internal needs. - Belgium (Antwerp, Brasschaat, and Schoten) – ATES and Aquathermal Energy Systems.
Several Belgian municipalities are integrating low-temperature district heating systems to reduce heating costs and CO₂ emissions. Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems are used in Antwerp to store surplus heat in underground water layers, which is later used for heating or cooling public buildings, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. Additionally, aquathermal energy systems extract heat from rivers, lakes, and groundwater to provide a sustainable heat source for industrial and municipal buildings. These solutions have cut CO₂ emissions by more than 50% while ensuring stable and predictable heating costs for residents and businesses. - Denmark (Aarhus and Albertslund) – Adapting Apartment Buildings to Low-Temperature Heating.
Denmark has one of the world’s most advanced district heating systems. In Aarhus and Albertslund, multi-apartment buildings are being retrofitted to operate with lower-temperature district heating, increasing energy efficiency and minimizing heat losses. Innovative radiators and low-temperature heating solutions are being implemented, allowing buildings to operate at lower supply temperatures while maintaining indoor comfort for residents. - The Netherlands (Utrecht) – Integrated Heating Systems in New Residential Areas.
In Utrecht, new centralized LTDH networks are being developed, utilizing geothermal energy, heat storage technologies, and smart energy management systems to optimize energy distribution. Instead of individual heating systems for each home, entire residential areas are connected to efficient, centralized heating networks, reducing heating costs by 20–25% and significantly lowering heat losses.
Valmiera’s Experience: A Biomass Boiler House as a Model for Sustainable District Heating
Meeting participants visited the Valmiera biomass boiler house, located on Dakstiņu Street, where they observed efficient and fully automated heating processes. Commissioned in 2020, the facility includes a 9 MW biomass boiler and a 1.5 MW flue gas condensation economizer, producing up to 93% of the heat supplied to the right bank of the Gauja River in Valmiera.
The boiler house features state-of-the-art technologies that reduce emissions and improve air quality. Its modernization aims to increase system reliability, enhance energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, and ensure compliance with EU environmental protection regulations.
“Investment in biomass heating systems is not only an investment in energy independence but also in the local economy. It reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and ensures stable long-term energy prices,” emphasized Egils Kampuss, Production Director at Adven Latvia.
About the Green4HEAT Project
The Green4HEAT project, “Accelerating the Implementation of Green Heating and Cooling Solutions in EU Regions,” is being implemented under the Interreg Europe cross-border cooperation program for 2021–2027. The project aims to support participating regions in ensuring sustainable district heating and cooling solutions, with a focus on reducing GHG emissions, integrating renewable energy sources, and enhancing sustainable territorial development.
Follow project updates on the Vidzeme Planning Region website: www.vidzeme.lv and on social media – Facebook and LinkedIn.
