The transition from gas involves high costs, while the historical attraction to low-cost fossil fuels creates barriers. Aquathermal energy becomes a promising avenue for sustainable heating and cooling that will be explored by the international consortium of partners within the Waterwarmth project.
Initiated by Interreg North Sea and co-funded by the European Union, the WaterWarmth project is dedicated to developing impactful pilot programs and showcasing exemplary cases highlighting aqua thermal energy’s vast potential.
It addresses the challenges of integrating aqua thermal energy, environmental impact, legal frameworks, funding, and risk-sharing by energy communities.
Carried out by a consortium of 21 partner organizations spanning the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, and Sweden, this project aims to support energy communities in the North Sea Region by effectively incorporating aqua-thermal energy into their operational frameworks.
Read more about the WaterWarmth project here: WaterWarmth WaterWarmth | Interreg North Sea
PROJECT DIARY
WaterWarmth Reports
Report 1: Barriers and Opportunities for Scaling AE
This report maps the policy conditions, governance challenges, and enablers that affect the development of AE pilots across the North Sea Region. Based on interviews, surveys, and workshops with nine pilot projects, this study highlights key findings on the lack of clear regulation, financial constraints, and limited public awareness while also pointing to strong networks and stakeholder collaboration as critical success factors.
Short version / abstract
Report 2: Multi-case Analysis of AE Pilots
This report dives into the governance structures, innovation processes, and learning mechanisms in each of the WaterWarmth pilot sites. Using strategic niche management and transition frameworks, it shows how AE systems evolve under local conditions — and how networking, citizen engagement, and reflective learning support more robust implementation.
Short version / abstract
FACTS ABOUT THE PROJECT
Title: Exploring aquathermal energy in WaterWarmth consortium
In collaboration with: 21 partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, and Sweden
Supported by: Interreg North Sea and co-funded by the European Union.
Duration (status): June 2023 – September 2026
DBDH contacts: Lesia Logvynenko, Hanne Kortegaard Støchkel
Project participants: 21 partners from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, and Sweden.
Contact us at: WaterWarmth | Interreg North Sea