The REHEATEAST project has published its first policy brief, Accelerating the Transformation of District Heating in Central and Eastern Europe, delivering clear, evidence-based messages for policymakers at national, regional, and local levels.
District heating is key to Europe’s clean energy future
Heating accounts for more than 40% of energy consumption in buildings across Europe, yet district heating systems in many Central and Eastern European countries are still largely based on fossil fuels. This exposes consumers to price volatility, energy poverty, and increasing climate risks. REHEATEAST’s analysis shows that modernising district heating - through energy efficiency, integration of renewable energy sources and waste heat, system optimisation, and smarter planning - is essential for achieving climate goals, while simultaneously improving affordability and energy security.
Strong consensus, but persistent structural barriers
Based on extensive consultations with policymakers, regulators, and sector experts in eight countries, the policy brief confirms a strong consensus that district heating will remain a cornerstone of future energy systems. At the same time, it highlights persistent challenges, including regulatory frameworks that lag behind climate ambitions, slow and complex permitting procedures, limited mobilisation of private investment, and weak coordination among municipalities, operators, building managers, and end-users. EU-level initiatives such as Fit for 55 and REPowerEU provide important momentum, but gaps in national and local implementation continue to hinder progress.
Clear policy actions can unlock investment and protect consumers
To address these barriers, the Policy Brief sets out concrete policy recommendations. These include establishing long-term national district heating strategies aligned with climate objectives, mandating municipal heating planning and zoning, introducing stable and transparent tariff frameworks, strengthening municipal leadership in integrated heating planning, and ensuring meaningful stakeholder and consumer engagement. If effectively implemented, these measures can significantly reduce fossil fuel use, lower heating costs, mobilise investment, and deliver more resilient, climate-proof urban heating systems.
Policymakers and stakeholders are invited to read the full Policy Brief to explore the detailed analysis, key findings, and concrete policy actions needed to accelerate the transformation of district heating across Central and Eastern Europe.
The full document is available below:
