Introduction
Heating and cooling (H&C) in buildings and industry account for half of the EU's energy consumption, mainly from fossil fuels. District heating and cooling (DHC) networks supplied with
renewable energy offer a clean, efficient solution. Geothermal energy can provide zero-emission, stable base load supply and heat storage but only covers 1% of the sector due to persistent market
barriers.
SAPHEA aims to promote geothermal energy in multivalent DHC networks by creating a durable Digital Market Uptake hub for GeoDHC. The Hub gathers a toolbox and a gamebook, plus various reports and
guidelines to support stakeholders in early-stage investment decisions and strategic planning. SAPHEA combines and expands existing knowledge, datasets and tools like Hotmaps and Geophires, to
provide targeted training for drafting low-carbon development scenarios that leverage geothermal energy. SAPHEA engages a network of public and private market actors and researchers, including
local authorities, community services, and energy suppliers, to ensure sustained results beyond the project’s lifetime.
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SPECIFIC NEEDS |
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Using geothermal district heating and cooling (geoDHC) networks can significantly reduce GHG emissions, energy imports, and increase renewable energy use. However, efforts in knowledge transfer, awareness raising, and consultancy are essential to expand beyond the current 1% market share. A supportive political framework, tailored financing, and business models are needed to stimulate future investments. Upgrading decision support tools for geothermal energy and heat storage is crucial. Market actors need guidance for early-stage decisions and planning to fully harness geoHC networks' benefits. |
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EXPECTED RESULTS |
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Prototypes: A single-access digital Market Uptake Hub for geoDHC networks in Europe, a techno-economic toolbox for early-stage decision support, and an interactive EU-27 GIS application. Databases: 10+ publicly accessible pan-European geographical datasets on geoscientific and social data related to geoHC networks, plus a document repository. Business Models: 6 new business and financing model blueprints tailored to geoHC networks. Guidelines: A gamebook-style digital development guideline for early-stage planning. Policy Recommendations: Science-based policy recommendations to turn current barriers into enablers for promoting geoHC networks. |
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D & E & C MEASURES |
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Raising awareness: 3+ annual events, 4 digital channels and brochures, 5000+ interactions and 10+ press appearances. An interactive GIS platform will show 50+ case studies in Europe. Influencing decision-makers: 40+ national and international decision-makers will join consultancy meetings and events. Knowledge transfer: Hybrid/online training for 300+ users, "train the trainer" seminars for 30+ trainers, and public training materials. Scientific dissemination: 1+ peer-reviewed article and 5+ conference presentations. Hub durability: Networking and joint campaigns with international organizations to establish a community and identify future Hub carriers. |
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TARGET GROUPS |
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Local/national stakeholders: public administrations (LS1), public/private energy suppliers (LS2), policymakers (LS3), communities and councils (LS4), financial service providers and energy contractors (LS5), energy communities (LS6), and research/academia (LS7). International stakeholders: civil society organizations (IS1), EU institutions and policymakers (IS2), financial service providers and energy contractors (IS3), international research projects (IS4), and interested lay public (IS5). |
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OUTCOMES |
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Market Uptake Hub & Capacity Building: embed in the EU consultancy landscape, fostering a network of interest and competencies. Toolbox, Gamebook, Guidelines: applied in 15+ regions, developing 10+ geoHC strategies, triggering 10+ geoDHC networks. EU-27 datasets: integrated into EGDI. GIS Toolbox: host 30%+ geoDHC in Europe. Policy Recommendations: boost geoDHC in energy plans, +200 MWth capacity. Blueprints: leverage 100M EUR in geoHC investments. |
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IMPACTS |
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Support the increase of geoDHC from 1% to 10% by 2050,+180 TWh/year to 3000 networks. Reduce fossil fuel and electricity imports by 2.9B EUR/year by 2050. Cut EU CO2 emissions by 24 Mt/year by 2050. Reduce health risks from urban heat islands. 3000+ New/Restructured H&C service providers. Transfer 90,000 fossil fuels to green jobs by 2050. Adapt legislation to cut geoDHC investment risks. Promote public-private partnerships and energy communities in 10% of geoHC networks, ~ 300 networks. |