HEATogether

  • Project
  • July 2025 – June 2028
Groene stad op wereldbol te midden van water
HeaTogether accelerates the energy transition of neighbourhoods through smart, local heating and cooling networks. These networks connect buildings to sustainable, locally available energy sources such as geothermal, residual heat, and surface water. By bridging the gap between large-scale district heating and individual solutions, we prepare neighbourhoods for a CO₂-free future.

Objective

HeaTogether aims to decarbonize heat supply in existing urban neighbourhoods by developing affordable, local heating and cooling networks. The project focuses on creating investment plans for at least 15 pilot neighbourhoods across four Central European countries. Through collaboration with residents, municipalities, and companies, technical, financial, and organizational solutions are designed to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.

Results

  • Investments of €155 million in the included pilot neighbourhoods. 
  • Affordable heat for residents.
  • Up to 80% CO₂ reduction per neighbourhood.
  • Practical guidelines and trainings for municipalities, energy cooperatives, and housing associations.
  • Policy recommendations to accelerate the energy transition in urban neighbourhoods.

Duration

01 July 2025 - 30 June 2028

Approach

HeaTogether works in three steps: first, existing examples and legal frameworks are analysed. Next, technical and financial solutions are developed for pilot neighbourhoods, together with residents and experts. Finally, the obtained knowledge is shared through training, guidelines, and a European network.

Impact on education

HeaTogether creates valuable learning opportunities for students and professionals in the energy transition. Students can contribute to actual investment plans for pilot neighbourhoods, gaining hands-on experience for their future careers. Additionally, the project supports new course modules, training programs, and e-learning tools for municipalities, energy cooperatives, and housing associations. By bridging theory and practice, HeaTogether helps train the next generation of professionals for sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

HU researchers involved in the research

  • Wilko Planje | Researcher | Research group New Energy in the City
    Wilko Planje
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Applied Urban Energy Transition
  • Portretfoto jonge man met blauwe trui
    Xander Teunissen
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Applied Urban Energy Transition

Related research groups

Collaboration with knowledge partners

For this project we work together with:

E7

IFEU

DGRV

UIV

SEVEN

Do you want to collaborate or do you have any questions?

Portretfoto jonge man met blauwe trui

Xander Teunissen

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Applied Urban Energy Transition