IES R&D Proud to Support EU Project to Revolutionise Sustainable District Heating & Cooling

IES R&D is excited to be working on a ground-breaking EU funded project that looks set to transform the future of district heating and cooling (DHC) networks across Europe.

Officially launched in December 2024, the DHC SwEEtch project will provide essential technical support to DHC operators, assisting them in developing decarbonisation roadmaps for 2050 and actionable investment plans for the next decade.

As a leading global innovator in integrated performance analysis technology for the built environment, IES’s involvement in the project will focus on the energy modelling and dynamic energy simulation of DHCN networks. Leveraging the capabilities of our digital twin technology suite, alongside our team’s solid experience in developing decarbonisation roadmaps at the urban level, the modelling work led by IES will form one of the project’s four key focus areas:

• Mapping: Identifying heating and cooling demand alongside available renewable and waste heat resources in targeted municipalities.
• Modelling: Utilising advanced simulations to design efficient and sustainable DHC systems.
• Assessing: Evaluating existing systems and identifying potential improvements.
• Generating Investment Plans: Creating comprehensive plans to secure funding and support for modernisation efforts.

Five case studies have already been selected for support by the DHC SwEEtch project as part of its retrofitting goals. The district heating and cooling networks involved are:

• Two Italian networks aiming to integrate waste heat from wastewater treatment plants.
• One Polish network, also focusing on waste heat integration from wastewater treatment, while incorporating renewable sources such as biomass, solar thermal energy, and thermal storage. Cogeneration of heat and power is another option to explore for this network.
• Two Croatian networks that, like their counterparts, aim to integrate waste heat from wastewater treatment plants, while also utilising renewable sources like geothermal energy, biomass, solar thermal energy, and thermal storage. Cogeneration of heat and power is likewise a solution to consider for these networks.

Following these initial case studies, five additional test sites will be identified to replicate the study, which are set to be selected via an open call by December 2025.

The initiative marks a key step forward for Europe’s energy transition. In addition to driving technical advancements in urban district heating and cooling, the DHC SwEEtch project will also support community engagement, knowledge sharing and upskilling activities, to raise awareness of best practices and foster improved collaboration across the EU energy sector.

Marina Melero, R&D Project Manager at IES, comments: “DHC operators have a vital role to play in driving the clean energy transition. We are excited to be working alongside a fantastic team of partners to support this pioneering project, applying our digital twin technology and energy modelling expertise to enable DHC operators to map effective decarbonisation pathways and develop actionable investment plans towards a shared ambition for 2050.”

The project is being delivered by a consortium of partners, which includes: R2M Solution, Energetski institut Hrvoje Pozar, Accademia Europea Di Bolzano – Eurac Reasearch, IES R&D, Krajowa Agencja Poszanowania Energii, S.A, Rina Consulting SpA, and Construction 21 – France, alongside associated partners and case-studies providers: GTG Vinkovci d.o.o., Brod-plin and A2A Calore & Servizi SRL.

For more information, visit the DHC SwEEtch website or follow the project on LinkedIn.