Advocacy
Shaping the framework for research and innovation of the future
The DHC+ Technology Platform unites research actors in the field of DHC, from academia, institutes and industry, with those from related sectors and EU policy-makers. The Platform acts as an innovation hub, fostering the development of ambitious, forward-looking and comprehensive research and innovation policies that support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Through communicating needs and barriers, successes and best practice cases, DHC+ helps secure funds and create a framework. As a result, this framework allows researchers and innovators in the field to contribute to a new generation of district heating and cooling, which is integrated into the wider energy and innovation system.
Setting priorities for DHC technology development & funding in Europe
Developed by the DHC+ members, the Vision towards 2020-2030-2050 and the Strategic Research Agenda for district heating and cooling present the technology developments, which are believed to be important to achieve the aim of zero-carbon energy solutions by 2050.
Strategic position in the European research discussions
We are Board member of ETIP SNET, whose objective is to link policy makers, industry, academia & the general public to set out an EU Vision for research and innovation in Smart Networks for Energy Transition.
Euroheat & Power (DHC+) is Industry Chair of SET Plan Action 3.2 – the Programme “Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods for Sustainable Urban Development” which aims to support the planning, deployment and replication of 100 Positive Energy Neighbourhoods by 2025 and is joined by 20 EU member states.
The DHC+ Technology Platform acts as part of the secretariat of the RHC European Technology and Innovation Platform, supported by Horizon 2020, which helps identify and promote research priorities for the renewable heating and cooling sector. DHC+ has been actively contributing to the work of the RHC Platform since 2011 and is now coordinating the Technology Panel on District Heating & Cooling and Thermal Storage as well as the Horizontal Working Group 100% Renewable Energy Districts.
DHC+ is Supporting Member of the European Forum of Renewable Energy Sources (EUFORES). EUFORES is a European cross-party network of Members of Parliaments from the European Parliament as well as from the EU28 national and regional Parliaments. EUFORES core objective is the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, DHC+ cooperates with CEN regarding the development of a standard for eco-efficient substations, works closely with the International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programme on DHC, EIT InnoEnergy and seeks to extend its network and deepen the cooperation with relevant partners in the field of research & innovation and energy.