Transition to low-temperature heating solutions in multi-apartment buildings

Expected outcome

The projects are expected to deliver on one of or combination of the following topic outcomes: Faster transition of district heating systems towards low-temperature operations Faster transition of building heating systems towards low-temperature operations Increased use of renewable energy and/or waste heat.

Scope

Low-temperature district heating systems in urban areas offer higher potential for integration of renewable energy sources and waste heat, but their deployment is slowed down because the existing stock of inefficient buildings has been designed for high-temperature heat delivery systems. The topic supports the creation of the conditions necessary for the conversion of existing supply solutions – district heating, as well as individual heating ones – into low-temperature alternatives, along with reducing and optimising the heat load of buildings. Efficient district heating systems are expected to meet increasingly stringent criteria in terms of the use of renewable energy, waste heat and/or co-generation in line with Article 26(1) of the Directive (EU) 2023/1791. To help district heating operators meet those criteria, there is a need to demonstrate solutions that support the transition to low-temperature district heating systems operating at supply temperatures at below 70°C. There is currently a limited choice of established non-fossil fuel heating and hot water systems to replace fossil-fuel based heating systems in multi-apartment buildings. There is a need to demonstrate systems based on heat pumps solutions to replace both central and individual fossil fuel boilers in existing residential multi-apartment buildings. Proposals are expected to address at least two of the following: Demonstrate system design and technical solutions at district and building level, to enable the integration of various heat supply sources (particularly renewable energy sources and waste heat), and to facilitate the transition to low-temperature district heating systems. Furthermore, refine digital tools for the control and monitoring of district heating systems as well as digital tools to support decision-making both at the initial planning stages and for the standardized replication of solutions. Demonstrate building-level heating solutions for hot water and low-temperature heating wi

What this means for cities and regions

For cities working on the decarbonisation of district heating and the heating systems of multi-apartment residential stock — a major piece of any urban climate-neutrality plan. Useful for municipalities, district-heating operators, social-housing managers and energy-cooperatives. Project size around €4.5–6 million per grant; consortium-based; close 8 October 2026.