eeef cooperates with ADHAC, the business association for the promotion of sustainable district heating and cooling networks in Spain

Within buildings, space and domestic water heating are currently one of the largest energy consuming sectors. Over 40% of the total EU final energy consumption (excluding transport) is from the space and domestic water heating sector which is one of the most problematic to decarbonise. Efficient heating and cooling systems can be established by installing district heating and cooling networks (DHCN). Principally, these networks are connected to co-generation plants which are often fueled by renewable energy sources e.g. biomass. Networks may also harvest the recovery of waste heat or cooling power from industrial processes to meet demand for heating and cooling. In general, the re-use of heating and cooling power within DHCNs can contribute to primary energy savings.

ADHAC (Asociación de Empresas de Redes de Calor y Frío) is a business association supported by the leading companies in the district heating and cooling sector within Spain. ADHAC’s focus is to facilitate the implementation of DHCNs within urban settings and power systems including heating, air conditioning and hot water. ADHACs aim is to encourage the uptake of DHCN projects, and promote the benefits which result with their implementation. The association intends to position itself as a partner of the public sector in Spain and also to coordinate networking with the international associations in the sector.

Currently, in Spain there are over 310 KMs of DHCN in operation representing 0.5% of the total installed capacity. Spain’s installed capacity is far below average ratios within the EU (15%), and therefore the potential for new developments is vast. Future DHCN projects may contribute to EU objectives of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to other key aspects of energy policy, including security of energy supply.

The European Energy Efficiency Fund (eeef) has signed an agreement to join ADHAC as cooperation partner, to help the association achieve its main goal of creating, maintaining and developing of an active network for the exchange of information, experiences, sector innovation and knowledge regarding the necessary activities to promote, build and maintain DHCN and the associated infrastructure. All useful findings will be reported to leading companies with a focus on DHCN.

eeef S.A., SICAV-SIF is a “société d’investissement à capital variable” governed by Luxembourg law and was initiated by the European Commission in cooperation with the European Investment Bank. The initial capitalization provided by the European Commission was increased with contributions from the sponsors European Investment Bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti as well as the Investment manager Deutsche Bank.

The European Energy Efficiency Fund aims to support the goals of the European Union to promote a sustainable energy market and climate protection. eeef pursues environmental goals by offering funding for energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy projects to public authorities, European municipalities and regions, private sector acting on behalf of the public bodies.

For further information on ADHAC, please visit their website:  http://www.adhac.es