How European cities are leading the clean heat transition
Get inspired by innovative approaches to decarbonise heating and cooling
Fossil-free citiesAbout
Heating and cooling represent nearly 50% of the EU’s total energy consumption, much of which still relies on fossil fuels. To reduce this dependence, the revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) sets binding targets requiring Member States to reduce their final energy consumption by at least 11.7% by 2030 compared to 2020 projections.
Monitoring progress on heating and cooling strategies
Launched two years ago, our EU Tracker offers a comprehensive overview of local heating and cooling plans across all EU countries. It tracks how Member States are advancing in transposing the revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) into their national frameworks.
While national progress sets the framework, the real impact takes place locally. Cities and towns are key to achieving Europe’s energy goals, particularly through strategic heating and cooling planning, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and promoting the use of waste heat and renewables in district systems. These local efforts are essential to phasing out fossil fuels.
Innovative and bold, cities are moving forward
A new feature is now available in the EU Tracker: “Cities Case Studies.” This filter allows you to explore the map and discover the stories of frontrunner cities that are already working on the decarbonisation of their heating and cooling systems.
Take Salaspils, Latvia. In a region where winter temperatures often drop below -15°C, heating is a critical need. To reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the city transformed its district heating system, shifting from natural gas and biomass to a cleaner mix that includes solar thermal energy and, soon, heat pumps using waste heat from data centres. Since 2018, Salaspils has cut heating-related emissions by 88%, increasing its share of renewable energy from 56% to 94% in just six years.
In southern Europe, Guimarães, Portugal is aiming for climate neutrality by 2030. The city’s decarbonisation strategy includes rolling out electrified heat pumps, improving the energy efficiency of public buildings, and establishing renewable-powered energy communities. With a history of using renewable energy since 1912, Guimarães is well-versed in these technologies. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also improve affordability and energy security for residents.
The city of Budapest in Hungary, like most Eastern European countries, has long had district heating networks. However, these networks are mainly powered by fossil fuel sources, and district heating operators lack efficiency and transparency. District heating alone is not the perfect solution. That’s why Budapest is partially switching to green district heating and improving its efficiency by focusing on two key ingredients: geothermal and waste heat.
These are just three inspiring examples, find many more city stories on our EU Tracker!
Stay tuned: in October, the EU Tracker will be updated, reflecting the final stages of EED transposition and showcasing how both national and local governments are stepping up.
