Achieving EU 2030 Sustainable Heating Goals in Kortrijk : A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective for Integrating a smart heat grid with aqua thermal Energy Based on Interreg WaterWarmth

When implementing renewable heating projects to comply with EU regulations and reduce the CO2 footprint, which is done by projects such as aqua thermal heating projects involving a (district) heat grid, stakeholder needs and priorities need to be considered for an equitable implementation with a high connection rate. This thesis explores the stakeholder needs and priorities when implementing a smart heat grid with aqua thermal and electrical energy in Kortrijk, Belgium, taking into account the feasibility and alignment with the EU 2030 sustainable heating targets. Focusing on the Interreg WaterWarmth project using aqua thermal energy in Kortrijk, the research uses a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, stakeholder analysis, (expert) interviews and a focus group.