North Sweden Energy Agency leads new EU project for regional development of district heating in Norrbotten

North Sweden Energy Agency (Energikontor Norr) is initiating a new project aimed at developing Norrbotten county into a knowledge center for district heating in Europe. The project, titled Advancing district heating and cooling solutions for efficient waste heat utilization (DISCO), is funded by Region Norrbotten and Interreg Europe.

As fuel prices rise and are expected to continue increasing, district heating costs have also become higher. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to utilize residual energy that can be integrated into district heating systems. This would contribute to reduced use of fossil fuels and increased sustainability.

Within the project, a regional stakeholder group will be established with participation from energy companies, district heating providers, and other key stakeholders. The group will focus on opportunities such as joint procurement, connecting new neighborhoods, system upgrades, and new technologies, such as low-temperature systems. The project will also promote knowledge exchange on an interregional level to strengthen the region's competitiveness and expertise in district heating.

Pajala Municipality is participating in the project along with Region Norrbotten and actors from the district heating sector. Birgitta Rantatalo, Pajala's Municipal Mayor, comments:

"It is good that our district heating company is part of the regional and international development of district heating. Fuel prices have increased and will continue to rise, and we must collaborate to counteract this"

Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, Department of Regional Development, Region Norrbotten:

"In Norrbotten, we must be proactive in developing the use of district heating, as energy is a valuable resource that we need to utilize in the best possible way. If we can work through interregional cooperation to find solutions of the future for the benefit of our citizens, it is clearly an important step in the right direction"

The project builds on Norrbotten's extensive experience and knowledge in district heating. Isabella Katsimenis, senior international project developer at North Sweden Energy Agency, explains:

"Norrbotten's actors have good knowledge of district heating. The county has district heating systems that were already established in the 1980s. Through this project, we want to highlight this expertise to strengthen the district heating of the future"

The project starts in 2025 and will run for four years. It includes 10 partners: Province of Drenthe, CODEMA, Dublin's Energy Agency, Region of Crete, IRENA - Istrian Regional Energy Agency Ltd., City of Zrenjanin, House of Energy, Lower Silesian Voivodeship – Marshal’s Office, Botosani Municipality, City of Hofgeismar, Kildare County Council, and Aalborg Municipality.