Decarbonizing District Heating: Comparative Report to Inspire Kozani’s Path to Clean and Affordable Heat
Year: 2025 | Status: Ongoing | Partners: Municipality of Kozani, Resilient Cities Catalyst, Climate Change Hub, Global Covenant of Mayors | Team: Haris Biskos (Author) | Strategic Contributions: Konstantina Karydi (CEO, Resilient Cities Catalyst Europe), Paul Nelson (Founding Principal, Resilient Cities Catalyst), Maria Logotheti (President, Climate Change Hub), Marnie McGregor (Strategic Advisor, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy) | Designed by: Alex Quinto, Haris Biskos
As Greece phases out coal, Kozani—a city long reliant on lignite-fired power for its district heating—faces an urgent challenge: how to secure a clean, resilient, and inclusive energy future. This report, serves as a foundational resource for Kozani’s energy transition, offering strategic guidance for cities navigating the shift away from fossil fuels.
Through a curated set of international case studies, the report highlights innovative strategies for transforming district heating systems. It explores effective models in governance, financing, technology, and community engagement, providing practical inspiration for stakeholders seeking scalable and locally adaptable solutions.
Kozani’s transition reflects a broader European challenge: decarbonizing energy infrastructure while maintaining social equity and economic vitality. The report examines the city’s complex post-lignite landscape, from its aging infrastructure and high unemployment to its shrinking population and vulnerable social fabric. It underscores the urgency of replacing the city’s heat supply and creating new, forward-looking opportunities.
By linking global best practices with Kozani’s unique context, the report offers a roadmap toward a sustainable, inclusive heating future. It is both a strategic tool and a call to action—advancing a vision of resilient, climate-smart urban development grounded in local realities and global ambition.
