The economic crisis and the high prices of heating oil can be seen as an opportunity to reinvent household energy generation and consumption and to prevent the attitude of rolling back to old-fashioned heating solutions, that bring pollution to the urban and rural areas. The target groups adressed by the current project include: the municipalities and the municipal enterprises, the education and research institutions and centers, the regional planning authorities, the energy and the construction sector, as well as the wider society. Many studies and pilots, as well as the operation of existing district heating networks in the area have proven that Renewable Energy-based heating networks in the West Macedonia region and in Albania can bring multiple benefits, from the end-users to the environment and even tourism development. As Renewable Energy Sources for heating networks can be considered geothermal or solar power in this project. This know-how of the Greek side will pass to the Albanian partner, through this project.
The pilot network in this case is based on geothermal energy coverage of the thermal energy of public buildings. However, the project invests upon mobilising a wider network of actors in the cross border area through the dissemination package-workshops, etc (Eco-innovative energy industries, neighbouring municipalities with similar characteristics). Moreover, for the reliable supply and operation of the RES-based units, the coordination of cross-border facilities, municipalities and unions is preferable. Even more, the local economy and population will get independent of imported fuels, whereas the pilot heating systems will be expandable and thus will encourage use of other Renewables, such as geothermal applications and networks Therefore, coordinated actions are needed for the supply and operation of theRES-based heating network that will enhance the team-work spirit of the local population.
Public networks and facilities that are of social interest, such as cultural centers or public services buildings of this project and are easily accessible to the public, can serve as the core activities for the promotion of environmental – friendly technologies (RES-based heating and energy efficiency technologies).
