On November 13, ConnectHeat hosted the final webinar in its capacity-building series: Innovative Financing and Business Models for Thermal Communities. Organized by Euroheat & Power with support from FEDARENE and Ambiente Italia, this event marked the culmination of a three-part series aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and replicating successful approaches in thermal energy projects across Europe.
Moderated by Riccardo Battisti from Ambiente Italia, the session brought together experts from across Europe to discuss financial and business strategies that can unlock the potential of community energy initiatives.
The webinar kicked off with Felix Kriedemann from REScoop.eu, who shared insights into financing and business models for energy cooperatives, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in creating financially sustainable community projects.
Next, Els Ghyselen on behalf of Leiedal presented the Belgian ConnectHeat case, focusing on the implementation of 5th-generation district heating in a mixed-use neighborhood. His presentation showcased how cutting-edge technology and community-driven solutions can come together in innovative ways.
Roger Hackstock from Austria Solar closed the presentations by exploring public participation models in solar district heating projects. His examples from Austria illustrated how active community involvement can accelerate the adoption of sustainable heating solutions.
The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants engaged with the speakers on topics such as leveraging local investment, aligning stakeholders, and making financing accessible for small-scale projects.
The webinar provided practical tools and real-world examples, empowering participants to take actionable steps in developing or enhancing their own thermal energy communities.
The ConnectHeat capacity-building series may have concluded, but the journey toward sustainable and inclusive thermal communities continues.
Click on each link to download specific presentations:
- Financing and business models for energy cooperatives – Felix Kriedemann, REScoop
- Implementing 5th generation district heating in a mixed neighborhood – the ConnectHeat case in Belgium – Dominiek Vandewiele, Leiedaal
- Public participation models for solar district heating – examples from Austria – Roger Hackstock, Austria Solar
Watch the recording below:
