Conference on the Transition of Heating and Cooling Systems Held at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar

On March 13th, the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP) hosted the conference “Transition of Heating and Cooling Systems – From Planning to Implementation,” organized through several EU projects including REHEATEAST, Enefirst Plus, GreetGeo, HEAT 35, USES4HEAT, and DHC SwEEtch.

With heating and cooling representing about half of total energy consumption, speakers emphasized the sector’s key role in meeting EU climate neutrality goals. Croatia’s new Energy Efficiency Act was highlighted, introducing annual 1.9% energy‑reduction obligations for public authorities and stricter building renovation standards.

Sessions covered recent legislation, EU policy implementation, modernization of district heating, use of waste heat and geothermal energy, and available financing tools.

A central highlight was Ilja Drmač’s presentation on the Vukovar district heating decarbonisation pilot under the HEAT 35 project. The pilot showcased practical steps for transitioning existing heating networks to low‑carbon, sustainable solutions, offering a model for broader national and EU‑wide replication.

Read more here: Conference on the Transition of Heating and Cooling Systems Held at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar – Interreg Central Europe