Report maps skills and technology needs

BELGIUM: The Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has published a new report aimed at strengthening skills and capacity in Europe’s heating and cooling sector.

The Landscape Analysis Report, a key output of the EU-funded Repower Regions project, provides a comprehensive overview of current technological trends, regulatory developments, regional specificities, and skills gaps affecting the heating and cooling transition across Europe. 

Co-ordinated by Riga Technical University and developed jointly by all project partners, the analysis covers nine partner regions – Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Serbia, and Spain – and is based on extensive desk research, more than 100 interviews and surveys with experts, and 68 practical case studies.

The findings show a sector undergoing rapid transformation, driven by EU climate and energy policies and characterised by the growing deployment of heat pumps, low-temperature district heating, digital solutions, and renewable and recovered heat sources. At the same time, the report highlights significant challenges, including skills shortages, limited practical training opportunities, and barriers to system integration and digital interoperability.

The report identifies priority areas for action in higher education, vocational training, and continuing professional development, and formulates recommendations for policymakers, education providers, and industry stakeholders. These insights will directly support the development of new curricula, training modules, and micro-credentials within the Repower Regions project.