ENABLE DHC: Developing Strategies and Investment Plans for Efficient District Heating and Cooling Based on Multiple Energy Sources and Digitalization

Status: Ongoing projects

The ENABLE DHC project promotes the modernization and expansion of Riga’s district heating and cooling system by analyzing decarbonization scenarios. In cooperation with JSC “Rīgas Siltums,” the project seeks new solutions to develop low-temperature heating systems and ensure more efficient resource use.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Like other major European cities, Riga is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions and becoming climate-neutral. Most of the city’s district heating system still relies on fossil fuels like natural gas. To achieve climate goals, it is essential to implement sustainable solutions that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and utilize waste heat from various sources.

Target of the Project

To develop a strategy and investment plan for modernizing and expanding the district heating system, ensuring the transition to a low-temperature and decarbonized heat supply.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Lower energy costs through more efficient and sustainable solutions;
✔ Improved quality of life due to reduced CO₂ emissions and a cleaner environment;
✔ Enhanced security and sustainability of Riga’s heating system by integrating alternative heat sources.

Project Activities

✔ Develop a district heating decarbonization plan in cooperation with JSC “Rīgas Siltums”;
✔ Prepare an investment plan for implementing decarbonization solutions;
✔ Evaluate the potential for waste heat recovery from various sources, including data centers, industrial processes, and treated wastewater at the Daugavgrīva Wastewater Treatment Plant;
✔ Promote public awareness and involvement in creating an energy-efficient heating system.

Project Results

✔ A detailed decarbonization plan for Riga’s district heating system;
✔ An investment plan for implementing innovative solutions;
✔ Evaluated and expanded potential for waste heat recovery to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: LIFE 2023 (CET-DHC)
Total project budget: EUR 1 763 985.00
Total budget for Riga: EUR 122 354.50
EU funding for Riga Municipality: EUR 116 236.78
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: EUR 6 117.73

Implementation Period: 01.09.2024 – 31.08.2027

Project Partners: Research and consulting company “OPTIT” (Italy), Austrian Institute of Technology (Austria), Institute of Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC) (Austria), Euroheat&Power (Belgium), WIP Renewable Energies (Germany), AGFW (Germany), Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA) (Ireland), Lviv City Municipal Institute (Ukraine), ENVIRODUAL d.o.o. (Slovenia), utility company Energo d.o.o. (Croatia), and Riga Energy Agency (Latvia)

Contact Information

Jeļena Ziemele
Project Coordinator
Riga Energy Agency
Email: jelena.ziemele@riga.lv

Project Links

ENABLE DHC – Rīgas Enerģētikas Aģentūra
LIFE 3.0 – LIFE23-CET-ENABLE-DHC/101167576