EU project could make local heating dreams into reality

A new EU funded project has launched – aiming to turn local cooling and heating plans into reality.

The scheme, called BetterLIFE, has been funded in order to help local and regional authorities overcome the challenges of developing and implementing local heating and cooling plans.

Working together with residents, businesses and local industry, BetterLIFE says the project will ensure plans are practical and financially sound – and that they will incorporate Gas Network Decommissioning Plans (GNDPs) to support the phase-out of fossil fuel derived gas.

Heating and cooling account for around half of the EU’s energy consumption, yet renewables covered only 26.2% of the sector’s needs in 2023. The scheme may support this figure in rising to accommodate heat and cooling needs around the EU.

Organisers say the project will test its approach in five pilots chosen to reflect different climates, socio-economic contexts and sizes.

Lessons from the pilots will be turned into clear, replicable roadmaps that other European municipalities can follow.