The first year of the REHEATEAST project is coming to an end and this milestone is marked by the publication of two reports with contribution from EnEffect that shed light on the state of district heating and cooling (DHC) systems in the countries of the Eastern Danube Region and the wider European area from different perspectives. Both publications include data and analysis for all eight countries involved in the project: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Slovenia.

The first report, District Heating and Cooling Stakeholder Survey and Analysis of Results, provides an overview and in-depth analysis of the views of five key stakeholder groups: district heating producers and distributors, administrative and regulatory authorities, technology suppliers and system manufacturers, financiers and investors, and consumers and the media.
The report describes the priorities and perceptions of stakeholders on the current status and future potential of DHC systems. The findings show that the following elements are key for an effective transition to sustainable heat supply: policy support and an orderly legal framework, the implementation of advanced technological solutions and the active involvement of all stakeholders and the public. In addition, the report highlights the need for concerted action, including large-scale investments in the construction, renovation and upgrading of DHC infrastructure, as well as digitisation and integration with other sectors. Such approaches allow for an accelerated increase in energy efficiency and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.

The second report, Analysis of Challenges, Gaps and Good Practices in District Heating and Cooling, introduces the criteria for assessing the sustainability of DHC systems. It then provides a comprehensive overview of projects, initiatives and studies aimed at developing this field, particularly in Europe. For the countries involved in the project, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the DHC sector, drawing comparisons in terms of strategic role, regulatory regimes and action plans and instruments to support district heating solutions. Key challenges and gaps in the development of district heating are systematically illustrated, while good practices from the region and the EU are also highlighted. The Bulgarian edition of this report is under preparation and is expected to be available in February 2025.

Publications in English are available in the REHEATEAST library.