On 26 March 2026, an online webinar titled “District Heating Company as an Investor in Small-scale RES at the End User’s Premises” was held as part of the HEAT 35 project. The session brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the evolving role of district heating companies in the energy transition.
The webinar was hosted by the Cracow District Heating Company and delivered by Prof. Przemysław Markiewicz-Zahorski from the Cracow University of Technology, a specialist in energy-efficient construction and innovative building technologies.
The session addressed practical approaches and emerging trends in integrating renewable energy solutions at the end-user level. Key topics included:
- Small-scale renewable energy technologies suitable for end users
- Innovative investment and business models
- Benefits and added value for both district heating companies and customers
- Risks and implementation challenges
From Heat Supplier to Energy Partner
A central theme of the webinar was the transformation of buildings and energy systems. Buildings are no longer passive consumers—they are becoming active energy hubs that generate, store, and optimize energy.
This shift is driven by new EU regulations, particularly the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024), which introduces the Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) standard.
A New Role for District Heating Companies
A paradigm shift was higlighted: district heating companies must evolve from traditional heat suppliers into integrated energy service providers and investors.
The webinar clearly demonstrated that investing in small-scale renewable energy at the end-user level is essential for the future of district heating systems.
To remain competitive and aligned with EU climate goals, district heating companies must:
- Embrace hybrid and decentralized energy models
- Develop new business strategies
- Build expertise in managing distributed energy assets
Pilot projects and continued collaboration will be crucial in accelerating this transition.