About
MUSE DHC – coMmUnity-led actionS for Efficient District Heating & Cooling is an EU LIFE-funded, bottom-up project supporting the development of DHC networks in 5 European countries. It is committed to proving that, by putting citizens at the heart of the green transition, establishing such systems is not only feasible but also beneficial for everyone
What we do – The project’s activities
Development of 9 Investment Plans (IPs) for new community-led DHC networks across 5 European countries (Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands), tailored to different local and sectoral contexts.
Engagement of key stakeholders – citizens, municipalities, energy cooperatives, heat suppliers, and other value chain actors – through Living Labs and participatory decision-making processes.
Design of innovative governance and financing models, emphasising collective ownership and cooperative frameworks.
Production of practical implementation tools (Blueprint for Action, strategic guidelines, position papers, etc.) to support authorities and communities in the planning, development, and operation of new efficient DHC networks.
PARTNERS
The strength of the project lies in a consortium made up of 10 European partners with complementary skills in energy engineering, cooperative governance, policy design, and stakeholder engagement, combining research, innovation, and participatory methodologies to create a scalable and replicable community-led DHC model:
- 3 Technical partners (EnGreen, OPTIT, SUNO) providing, the necessary expertise for developing the investment plans.
- 4 Local partners, with both technical expertise on DHC and community-energy initiatives and expertise on cooperative and participative processes as well, directly representing and coordinating the case studies development and the Labs activities: Energie Samen (NL), Osona Energia (ES), SPL BER (FR), Claremorris Cooperative (IE). Furthermore, besides being a technical partner, EnGreen (IT) will be responsible for the Italian case study.
- 3 Partners focusing on strategies, dissemination and replication: AMBIT, REScoop.eu, Energy Cities.
Ambiente Italia is a leading consultancy and research company specializing in sustainability, energy, and climate. For over 30 years, it has developed sustainable energy and climate action plans, technical and economic analyses, energy audits, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. With more than 140 EU-funded projects - including over 40 in the energy sector, the company coordinates LIFE and Horizon initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy communities, and sustainable district heating and cooling networks.
Energy Cities is a network of technical experts and cities committed to climate neutrality by 2050. A learning community built on a “local & sustainable first” approach, it represents over 1,000 local governments in 30 countries. It empowers local authorities to shape future-proof cities, showcases concrete urban alternatives, and advocates for governance change driving a resilient, future-proof society.
The Local Public Company Bois Énergie Renouvelable (SPL BER), fully owned by local authorities, was created in December 2018 by 18 shareholders now counting 34. Its mission is to decarbonise local energy consumption by structuring the wood-energy sector, developing district heating networks, boosting renewable heat production, and supporting municipalities in their renewable energy projects. It also participates in EU programmes: notably an Interreg NWE on aquathermy DHC for energy-communities.
SUNO Enginyeria de Serveis Energètics SCCLP is an engineering firm specialising in renewable energy and energy efficiency. With over ten years of experience, it works closely with clients and organisations to develop projects that support the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the economy. The company offers a wide range of tailored engineering services and development tools to help identify the most effective solutions and design actions in the fields of photovoltaic energy, thermal installations, energy simulation and modelling, DHC networks, and energy planning and transition.
OECoop is a non-profit, second-degree cooperative comprising 51 associated local Renewable Energy Cooperatives (RECs) in Catalonia. It provides them with specialised support in the development and management of energy projects, as well as administrative, social, and governance assistance. OECoop fosters inter-cooperation by helping its members share services, tools, and best practices, thereby advancing the energy transition.
Optit applies advanced analytics, mathematical optimisation, and AI to support data-driven decision-making in complex systems. With over 15 years of experience bridging research and industry, Optit delivers measurable value through consulting, applied research, and optimisation projects in the fields of energy (including District Heating & Cooling), logistics, and waste management.
REScoop.eu is the European federation of citizen-led energy communities, bringing together 2,500 initiatives and their 2 million citizens supporting a just and inclusive energy transition.
Engreen connects policy, engineering, and local expertise to turn sustainability goals into real projects. Active across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, it supports public and private actors from strategy to implementation-designing, building, and scaling solutions that make the green transition tangible and lasting.
Energie Samen is a cooperative representing around 700 citizen energy cooperatives in the Netherlands. The organisation supports local sustainable energy initiatives through advocacy, knowledge sharing and practical services such as project development support and financing. The cooperative’s vision is to ensure that everyone can contribute to a clean and affordable energy supply for all of us.
The Claremorris and Western District Energy Co operative (CWDEC) is a community-owned renewable energy initiative in County Mayo, Ireland, dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and empowering local people through sustainable projects. Founded in 2015 by a group of residents, the CWDEC emerged to develop renewable energy projects that benefit the community, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
EU LIFE PROGRAMME
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action.
The 2021–2027 programme supports the shift to a clean, circular, energy-efficient, climate-neutral, and climate-resilient economy. It promotes innovative solutions to achieve EU environmental and climate goals, strengthens governance and policy implementation, and acts as a catalyst for large-scale deployment by integrating objectives across sectors, mobilising investment, and improving access to finance.
MUSE DHC is co-funded by LIFE. Grant agreement number 101215495.