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RISE DHC (Renewable Integration and Sustainable Expansion of District Heating and Cooling) is a project funded under the LIFE Clean Energy Transition (LIFE CET) programme. RISE DHC contributes to the development of high-quality and feasible investment plans and strengthens cooperation among local stakeholders. In doing so, it supports the achievement of the European Union’s climate and energy objectives and accelerates the transition towards carbon-neutral heating and cooling systems. Its objective is to accelerate the development of sustainable district heating and cooling systems fully based on renewable energy sources and waste heat, while supporting local authorities and energy stakeholders in preparing investment-ready projects.

The project brings together ten partners from eight European countries (Croatia, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, Germany and Belgium), together with one affiliated organisation (EHP), to develop innovative approaches to business model design and investment planning for new renewable district heating and cooling systems. Through eight demonstration cases in seven countries, RISE DHC will help municipalities overcome technical, financial and organisational barriers that often hinder the deployment of renewable energy-based solutions. Pilot district heating and cooling systems are planned in Bjelovar (Croatia), Valdagno (Italy), Dobrovnik (Slovenia), Guimarães (Portugal), Kungsbacka (Sweden), Waterford (Ireland), Portlaoise (Ireland) and Alzenau (Germany).

The Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS) contributes methodology and expertise for the assessment of both shallow and deep geothermal potential and the sustainable management of subsurface resources. GeoZS will evaluate geothermal resources at selected locations and support the identification of efficient scenarios for preparing viable investment plans for low-carbon heating systems.

In Slovenia, the project focuses on the Municipality of Dobrovnik, where deep geothermal resources, particularly the Do-1 geothermal well, represent a promising opportunity for the development of a geothermal district heating system. The project will assess the potential of the geothermal well, the possibility of combining it with shallow geothermal resources or other renewable energy sources, the technical feasibility of different scenarios, as well as their business and investment potential for the practical implementation of a 100% renewable heating system.

Project Partners

The RISE DHC consortium brings together research organisations, universities, public institutions, energy agencies and industry associations from across Europe. The project is coordinated by the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP, Croatia), other partners are: Academia Europea di Bolzano (EURAC), Italy; R2M Solution (R2M), Italy; Lund University (LUND), Sweden; HeatGrid Ireland (HGI), Ireland; Agência para a Energia (ADENE), Portugal; Municipality of Guimarães, Portugal; Laboratório da Paisagem (LdP), Portugal; Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), Slovenia; Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg (TH AB), Germany; Euroheat & Power (EHP), Belgium.

Associated Partners are – City of Bjelovar (Croatia), Unione Montana Pasubio Piccole Dolomiti (Italy), EKSTA Bostadsaktiebolag (Sweden), Energieversorgung Alzenau GmbH (Germany) and Municipality of Dobrovnik (Slovenia).

Followers in Slovenia are: Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia (SOS), District Heating Section of the Energy Industry Chamber of Slovenia (EICS), and Slovenian Energy Association (SZE).