Heating and cooling accounts for almost half of the energy consumption in cities. That is why decarbonising this sector is of utmost importance, if we want to leave in healthier and greener cities – and reach EU 2050 goals. European cities and regions have prepared or are in the process of developing ambitious climate and energy strategies and action plans, committing to net-zero carbon by 2050 – some even earlier. Nevertheless, many governments still need to better identify and analyse solutions to make energy demand more efficient on one hand and to meet the demand with efficient, cost-effective and greener energy sources on the other hand.

The Hotmaps project wanted to address this challenge. Leading research institutions in Europe developed a website that allows them to discover an estimate of heating and cooling demand in an area and the potential of local renewable energy to cover this demand. Thanks to different calculations modules, users can also develop long-term scenarios and assess them against different criteria (costs, energy consumption, CO2 emissions). The toolbox was developed together with cities, to make sure Hotmaps is useful for local authorities and city planners.

During this online event, you will get the chance to discuss with the researchers, developers, energy planners and city representatives who developed the Hotmaps toolbox, but also with other peers who are working on energy planning in Europe. You will be able to learn more about Hotmaps while exchanging on the available technologies and possible visions and models to decarbonise heating and cooling.

Agenda

This event is supported by the EU Covenant of Mayors