The INTREPIDH project team collected real-world cases that prove the potential of process heat based on district heating. The cases across five European countries demonstrate a viable path for a more affordable green transition for various types of industry.
Answering challenges with collaboration across sectors
INTREPIDH presents cases from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Croatia in the best practice catalogue, which you can download below. The cases illustrate multiple pathways for integrating district heating and industry. A recurring theme is that initial curiosity and open dialogue often lead to better, different final solutions than those first imagined, curiosity evolved into innovation: 
- Industrial companies replacing gas-fired boilers with DH supply for low- and medium-temperature processes. 
- District heating combined with high-temperature heat pumps or other solutions can replace fossil fuels also when higher temperatures are involved.
- DH utilities using industrial demand as anchor loads to expand networks, improving economies of scale. 
- Two-way integration, where industries both supply surplus heat and receive DH-based process heat. 
The message is simple: it is possible. The cases highlight that solutions exist today, and they came to life because both sides of the collaboration benefit from the solutions. Curiosity, openness, and joint problem-solving repeatedly led to better outcomes than initially planned. 
How can decision-makers play their part 
The key takeaway: sector integration is possible, beneficial, and scalable. With curiosity and cooperation, district heating can deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable process heat for European industry. Each stakeholder can play their part in the green transition: 
- Industry: Explore DH as part of a diversified green transition strategy; share data and proactively engage with utilities and municipalities. 
- District heating utilities: Treat industry as a strategic new customer segment; identify large consumers near networks; design tailored offers and contracts. 
- Municipalities and authorities: Include industry in heat planning; streamline permits; review funding systems; facilitate meetings to connect local players. 
Find out more about the real-world application of process heat based on district heating and download the catalogue now!