Cross_HEAT

Cross_HEAT is a research project in the Netherlands, Germany, and 
Belgium. The goal is to heat homes and businesses in the region with a 
district heating network.

At the moment, we still use a lot of gas and oil to heat buildings. This is bad for the climate and makes us dependent on other countries.

Therefore, the project explores the potential use of waste heat from 
factories and geothermal energy from the ground. Affordability is an 
important focus, so the transition remains feasible for residents and 
businesses. The project also examines how to better align regulations in the three countries to make cross-border cooperation easier.

Residents and businesses can share their views on whether they want to 
connect to a district heating network and what matters most to them, such 
as costs, technology, and planning.

All results will be shared so that more regions can switch to clean and 
affordable heating through district heating in the future.

APRIL 2026: Summary first reporting period

During the first reporting period, Cross_HEAT established the full technical, spatial and regulatory baseline needed for future cross‑border district heating development. All planned Workpackage1 deliverables were completed and validated, including a harmonised GIS dataset, an inventory of alternative heat sources and a comparative governance analysis. This provides a solid foundation for the scenario modelling phase.

Workpackage2 prepared the methodological and data structures required for geophysical mapping and energy system modelling. Initial integration between VITO’s PathOpt and Fraunhofer’s ENABLE tools was initiated, enabling future optimisation and scenario analysis.

Workpackage3 has not yet started, as it depends on the outcomes of Workpackage2.

Workpackage4 delivered the project’s Communication Strategy and established the framework for future stakeholder engagement and dissemination activities.

Overall, the project is progressing according to plan, with a strong analytical basis and clear next steps for scenario development.