Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM), as a project partner, and the Municipality of Priboj, as an associated partner from Serbia, participated in the final conference of the REHEATEAST project, held on 27–28 May 2026 in Pécs, Hungary. During the two-day event, project results, pilot activities, and recommendations for improving sustainable district heating and cooling systems across the Danube Region were presented.
The conference brought together project partners, experts, representatives of local governments, energy agencies, academia, and district heating operators from countries across the Danube Region. The event showcased examples of renewable energy integration, digitalisation, and energy efficiency measures in district heating systems, as well as experiences gained through the implementation of pilot actions in participating countries.
On the second day of the conference, the achievements under the project’s three specific objectives were presented. It was highlighted that the project established a shared knowledge base on the status of district heating systems in the region, developed cooperation models involving a wide range of stakeholders, and implemented a total of 11 pilot actions, exceeding the number originally planned.
Special attention was given to the results of the pilot actions, which demonstrated various approaches to improving district heating systems – from network digitalisation and operational optimisation, to reducing heat losses, integrating renewable energy sources, and improving the energy performance of buildings connected to district heating networks. The results confirmed that the combination of technical innovation, digital tools, and stakeholder cooperation can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The conference also featured the results of the pilot action implemented in Serbia, aimed at improving the district heating system in the Municipality of Priboj through the integrated energy renovation of residential buildings. The pilot was carried out in cooperation with the Municipality of Priboj, which participated in the project as an Associated Strategic Partner. Activities included energy audits of representative multi-apartment buildings, analysis of energy-saving potential, and identification of priority investments to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the local district heating system. The results demonstrated significant potential for reducing energy consumption, heating costs, and carbon emissions, while improving the quality of life for residents.
In the closing session, participants discussed opportunities for continued cooperation through new international initiatives and projects that will build upon and further develop the results achieved through REHEATEAST, supporting the energy transition of towns and municipalities across the Danube Region.
The REHEATEAST project was implemented by 11 project partners and 25 Associated Strategic Partners from 11 countries of the Eastern Danube Region. The lead partner was the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (Pannon EGTC) from Hungary. The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) was one of the project partners from Serbia, while the Municipality of Priboj and Energetika d.o.o. Kragujevac participated as Associated Strategic Partners.
