Half of the energy used in Europe goes toward heating and cooling our buildings. Most of it still comes from fossil fuels. Earlier this year, REPOWER REGIONS published its first major output, the Landscape Analysis Report, to understand what needs to change and what is standing in the way.
The report brings together desk research, more than 100 interviews and surveys with experts, and 68 real-world case studies from nine partner regions across Europe: Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Serbia and Spain. Here is what it tells us.
Heat pumps are becoming the standard choice for new heating systems. These devices move heat from the air, ground or water into a building, using far less energy than older systems that burn fuel. The report also points to a fast-growing use of hybrid systems, which combine a heat pump with another heat source for extra reliability.
Buildings and heating networks are also becoming smarter. Automated controls and digital tools, including digital twins, which are computer models of a real building or system, are helping operators run heating and cooling more efficiently. District heating networks, which supply many buildings from one shared source, are also evolving. Newer networks run at lower temperatures and can draw on a wider mix of renewable and recovered heat, such as geothermal energy, solar thermal energy and waste heat from industry.
Alongside this progress, the report identifies the obstacles that are encountered. Upfront costs for new equipment are still high for many households and businesses. Getting permits and approvals for new heating projects is often a slow and fragmented process, differing from one region to another. There are not enough trained professionals to design, install and maintain these newer systems. Digital tools from different manufacturers do not always work well together. Building renovation rates also vary widely across Europe, meaning some regions are moving faster than others.
These findings are the foundation for the next stage of REPOWER REGIONS. The report guides the design of a new CVET diploma for heating and cooling professionals, a free online course, and open educational resources for universities and vocational colleges. By starting with a clear, evidence-based picture of what the sector actually needs, the project can make sure training keeps pace with the technology and policy changes already underway.
If you work in education, training, local government or the HVAC and construction sector, the full Landscape Analysis Report is available to download on our website. It is a useful reference for anyone planning how to prepare their workforce for the years ahead.