The signing of an “ELENA” agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) will support Belgian developer KARNO in the large-scale deployment of decarbonized heating and cooling solutions, advancing the energy transition. ELENA is an energy efficiency grant program funded by the European Commission’s InvestEU program and implemented by the EIB’s Advisory Services.
Amid the energy crisis, high gas dependency, and climate concerns, the ELENA program will provide KARNO with a €2.97 million grant to structure the district heating market for projects in Belgium and Luxembourg. The technical assistance includes feasibility studies, project management, energy audits, technical studies, legal guidance, and support in procurement procedures.
District heating networks are considered a strategic lever for Europe’s energy independence. By pooling local renewable resources, reducing reliance on imported gas, and optimizing electricity use, KARNO’s program aligns with the EU’s goal of a just energy transition. The company plans €82.5 million in investments over three years to develop multiple backbone networks under a regulated model.
Through ELENA, KARNO can advance ongoing district heating and cooling projects in Belgium in compliance with European directives. The company operates in public spaces, obtains necessary licenses, is monitored by regional and national authorities, and ensures open access and consumer protection. This regulated framework promotes efficient, accessible, and equitable use of local energy resources, relying on geothermal energy, aquathermal energy, waste heat recovery, and biomethanization. The networks are designed to minimize losses, optimize temperatures, and ensure long-term sustainability.
KARNO’s co-founders highlighted that their projects demonstrate that heat decarbonization is technically mature and economically viable. The ELENA subsidy accelerates the simultaneous development of several networks, moving from isolated initiatives to an industrial-scale model monitored by public authorities. EIB experts noted that the project contributes not only to decarbonization but also to electrifying heat and enhancing energy security.
Belgium currently lags behind neighboring countries in decarbonized heat, with less than 1% of heating needs met by district heating networks. European targets aim for 10% by 2030 and 45% by 2050, while countries such as France and Nordic nations have achieved far higher coverage. This gap represents an opportunity to learn from international best practices.
KARNO’s integrated approach covers the full project lifecycle, from identifying consumers and energy sources to project development, construction, and long-term operation. The company serves commercial, industrial, and public sectors, balancing new constructions and renovations, with a focus on decarbonizing existing heating and cooling systems.
Several emblematic projects illustrate KARNO’s expertise. In Luxembourg, the Kuebebierg district network supplies 3,500 homes using 21 geothermal hubs, setting a European benchmark for decarbonized heating. In Brussels, the Be.SHARE project uses shallow geothermal energy in Maximilien Park to supply buildings with low-carbon heating and cooling. In Namur, the ENHAIVE residential complex relies on a fifth-generation geothermal network, while in Charleroi, the largest industrial geothermal installation supports low-carbon industrial activity.
Additional projects in Liège, Jodoigne, Fleurus, Nivelles, Pairi Daiza, and Anderlecht showcase diverse applications of district heating networks, including residential, industrial, urban parks, and even wildlife and leisure facilities. These projects collectively demonstrate that regulated, multi-source, zero-carbon heating and cooling networks can be deployed at scale, supporting the EU’s energy transition and climate goals.
