PlanHeat partners and experts gather in Estonia to discuss progress in local heat planning in the BSR

After seven months of intensive collaboration, the PlanHeat consortium and invited experts met in Estonia on 15th and 16th October 2025 for the project’s second transnational partner meeting and its first Local Heat Planning (LHP) Expert Forum.

Hosted by PlanHeat partner Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and organized together with project coordinator aconium, the two-day event focused on knowledge exchange and joint progress in advancing sustainable heating transitions across the Baltic Sea Region (BSR).

Reflecting on progress and strengthening cooperation

The event opened at TalTech’s campus in Tallinn with a warm welcome from TalTech and the Lead Partner Bremerhaven. Partners reflected on the achievements of the first project period, including initial results from the Work Package 1. The sessions provided a valuable opportunity to assess progress and discuss upcoming milestones.

Throughout the day, interactive discussions brought together project partners to exchange ideas on cooperation, communication, and dissemination. Special attention was given to target group engagement — identifying ways to strengthen collaboration with district heating providers, energy agencies, municipalities, community organizations, and national authorities involved in LHP.

Expert forum on thermal energy storage and waste heat

A key highlight of the first day was the LHP Expert Forum with the title “Thermal Energy Storage & Waste Heat”, which combined in-person and online participation. The forum was opened by Britta Schmigotzki (aconium) and was continued by Kertu Lepiksaar (TalTech), who presented the ongoing work within Group of Activities (GoA) 1.2 of PlanHeat, devoted to the development of technical guidance for LHP.

Subsequent presentations explored the technical aspects of the heating transition in the BSR:

• Enar Kraav from Energex discussed how novel solutions can be integrated into local heat production and planning.
• Eduard Latõšov from Utilitas examined drivers and barriers of thermal energy storage in district heating networks.
• Vladislav Mašatin from Adven showcased good practices from the BSR and their potential for replication and scaling.

The LHP Expert Forum concluded with an open discussion, moderated by Prof. Anna Volkova (TalTech), which encouraged participants to exchange insights and reflect on how technical innovation and practical experience can support municipalities.

The day concluded with a guided walk through Tallinn’s historic old town and a networking dinner, offering a convivial atmosphere for continued exchange among partners and experts.

Learning from Rakvere’s experience

The second day of the meeting took place in Rakvere, hosted by PlanHeat partner Rakvere Soojus. Participants were welcomed by representatives of Rakvere’s local administration, who highlighted local initiatives in urban development, energy efficiency, and sustainable heat supply.

The sessions featured presentations from Rakvere Soojus on the city’s heating network and from TalTech on LHP in rural municipalities in Estonia. A moderated discussion followed, focusing on shared challenges faced by smaller municipalities across the BSR and how PlanHeat’s results can provide practical support.

In his remarks, Andres Jaadla, former Mayor of Rakvere, National Ambassador for the EU Covenant of Mayors, and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, emphasized the Rakvere’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the importance of PlanHeat for achieving these goals.

Advancing together toward sustainable heating

The transnational partner meeting demonstrated the strong momentum within the PlanHeat consortium and the value of transnational cooperation in driving local energy transitions. Partners left the country with renewed inspiration and strengthened connections. Together, the consortium continues its mission to support municipalities across the BSR in developing efficient and resilient heating systems through improved local heat planning.

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