The webinar “Renewable Heating and Cooling in Greece: A Roundtable Exchange” marked a new edition of the National Roundtables series hosted by the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC-ETIP). This online event was co-organised by Solar Heat Europe, the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), and the REDI4HEAT project, and focused on Greece’s ambitious roadmap to achieving 100% renewable heating and cooling (RHC).
The session brought together a diverse panel of experts and stakeholders who shared strategies, policy insights, and innovative technologies to tackle the unique challenges of decarbonising the heating and cooling sector in Greece. The dialogue encouraged cross-sector collaboration and the exchange of best practices to accelerate the clean energy transition.
Argyro Giakoumi, Policy Expert at CRES, opened the session by outlining the current policy framework and legislative landscape for heating and cooling in Greece.
Christos Travasaros, representing Primelaser and EBHE, showcased the role of solar thermal technology in building decarbonisation. He underlined that 80% of energy needs in EU households relate to space and water heating, and solar thermal is perfectly positioned to meet these demands. He also emphasised the strength of the Greek solar thermal industry, noting that over 60% of production is exported.
Professor Irene Koronaki, from the School of Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), presented an overview of the role of heat pumps in Europe.
Dimitris Kitsikopoulos, from Electra Energy Cooperative, introduced the concept of community-based heating and cooling systems through the lens of energy communities. He stressed their role in promoting social innovation, addressing energy poverty, ensuring a just transition, and driving local development.
Myrsini Christou, EERA Bioenergy Coordinator at CRES, discussed the potential of biomass technologies in building decarbonisation. She concluded her talk by outlining key challenges facing the uptake of RHC solutions in Greece.
The event concluded with an engaging roundtable Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers.