About the CELSIUS Project
Based on the premise that cities and districts are in a position to take the lead in the energy transition, the European Project CELSIUS, funded under the 7th Framework Programme assembled a network of 72 cities and 68 City Supporters between 2014 and 2017. They joined the project partners (20 organisations from public, private and research institutions) to help cities plan, develop and optimise their district heating and cooling networks.
Building on the reputation and the momentum it had created, at the end of the project the City of Gothenburg through Johanneberg Science Park, RISE, IMCG and Euroheat & Power joined forces to create the Celsius Initiative.
At its centre was the innovative technology development; 30 demonstrators that showcased technologies, systems and practices for the production, distribution and utilisation of heating and cooling through district energy networks. 20 demonstrators were already in place when the project started and 10 were built between 2014 and 2017. The demonstrators were closely monitored to determine the energy savings and impact they could have if replicated.
The project had a strong focus on knowledge sharing, so that the information gathered by CELSIUS and other members of the CELSIUS network would not to be wasted or lost. The data and expertise were then transferred to the member cities and city supporters via the CELSIUS wiki, webinars and various workshops and conferences. This network of knowledge transfer and collaboration has become one of CELSIUS’ strongest assets.
Thirdly, to combine a bottom-up with a top-down approach, the CELSIUS project also endeavoured to be a communication channel between the cities and the European Commission. Project partners participated in various of the European Commission’s consultations regarding energy efficiency and housing directives.