How can heat pump-based district heating accelerate the decarbonisation of district heating networks? Partners of the SUPPORT DHC and ENABLE DHC projects explored this question during a study visit held on 24-25 February 2026. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the practical applications of large-scale heat pumps and their integration into district heating systems in Gleisdorf and Vienna.
The SUPPORT DHC project focuses on assisting district heating and cooling operators in the energy transition, particularly by facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and waste heat through a multi-level support programme. Representatives of our Association took part in the study visit alongside two operators acting as replicators within the SUPPORT DHC project: the Municipal District Heating Company in Włocławek and the Municipal Services Company in Warka.
The event began with a meeting at the headquarters of the AEE – Institute for Sustainable Technologies, followed by a guided tour of the institute’s laboratories. The group then visited the Stadtwerke Gersdorf wastewater treatment plant, where an advanced heat pump system recovers waste heat and feeds it into the district heating network. The installation serves as a strong example of effective sector integration and the practical utilisation of local renewable energy sources.
On the second day, courtesy of Wien Energie GmbH, participants examined the large-scale heat pump installed at the Spittelau waste-to-energy plant, as well as the heat pump installation providing heating and cooling at UNO City. Representatives of Wien Energie also presented Vienna’s decarbonisation strategy, emphasising the key role of large-scale heat pumps in transforming the city’s district heating system.
The visit to Gleisdorf and Vienna provided participants with valuable insights and practical examples of large-scale heat pump use in district heating systems. First-hand observation of operating installations, on-site technical discussions, and the exchange of experience among project partners are expected to accelerate the implementation of climate-neutral and resilient district heating systems across Europe.
The project has received funding from the European Union through the LIFE+ financial instrument for the environment and climate, under grant agreement number 101119914. The sole responsibility for the content of this section lies with its authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
