Guidelines and key recommendations for a successful and cost-effective energy transition have recently been released by the Heat Roadmap Europe (HRE) H2020 energy mapping and modelling project.

The project’s unique approach in combining energy system mapping and modelling of the heating, cooling and energy systems of the 14 largest users of heat in the EU enabled a better understanding of not just the energy system effects, but also the spatial and time dimensions amongst policy makers and practitioners from across Europe alike.

Together with a group of committed and ambitious cities and regions from all over Europe, including ICLEI Members Alba Iulia (Romania), Antwerp (Belgium), Glasgow (United Kingdom) and Warsaw (Poland), ICLEI and its Heat Roadmap Europe partners dedicated the last months to promoting the uptake of efficient, sustainable and affordable heating and cooling solutions in European cities and regions based on the scientific results produced by the project.

HRE’s policy guidelines, business cases and free-to-use online tools are invaluable resources to strengthen local Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), Smart City strategies and will build up political capacity and technical skills to make a meaningful impact in the heating and cooling sector beyond the project lifetime.

Findings and policy guidelines on how to cost-effectively reach your climate and energy goals are accessible here: local/regional, national and EU Policy Guidelines - based on the Heat Roadmap 2050 scenarios identifying heating and cooling strategies for a cost-effective decarbonisation, Roadmaps 2050 - EU + 14 national Heat Maps, and Pan-European Atlas (Peta 4.3) - showcasing thermal resources available in any region as well as EU-wide thermal demand.

For more information visit the project website.