Call for consultants on renewable energy integration in district heating systems
We are looking for consultants for a study on on renewable energy integration in district heating systems: European success stories and applicability for Romanian and Latvian municipalities.
This study is part of a broader project that supports municipalities in Romania and Latvia in exploring and planning the integration of renewable energy sources into district heating systems, with the overall objective of accelerating the decarbonisation of the heating sector.
To support these efforts, the project consortium conducted a preliminary profiling of district heating systems and municipalities in both countries. The profiling assessed:
– Current district heating system characteristics and challenges;
– Municipal capacity and political commitment;
– Existing energy and climate policies and strategies;
– Stakeholder landscape;
– Potential barriers to renewable energy integration.
Objective of the Assignment
The overall objective of the assignment is to identify and analyse successful European experiences of renewable energy integration into district heating systems and assess their relevance and applicability to Romanian and Latvian municipalities identified through the profiling exercise.
The study should generate practical recommendations that support municipal decision-making, inform future project activities and contribute to the prioritisation of municipalities for further engagement.
Scope of Work
The assignment is structured around five tasks that move from understanding the municipal context, to analysing European experiences, assessing their relevance for Romania and Latvia and developing practical recommendations.
Task 1. Review of municipal profiles and selection of European case studies
Task 2. Analysis of European case studies
Task 3. Comparative assessment
Task 4. Recommendations
Deliverables
The consultant shall deliver a draft and final version of the study in English (approximately 30 pages, excluding annexes) and participate in one online event organised by the project consortium to present the main findings and recommendations.
Indicative timeline
Deadline for submission of offers: 13 July 2026
Evaluation of offers: By 17 July 2026
Selection and contracting: 20–31 July 2026
Submission of draft report: 15 September 2026
Submission of final report: 30 September 2026
Online presentation of findings: October 2026
Budget
The available budget is EUR 6,000 including VAT, half of it to be paid upon the delivery of the first draft and the difference upon delivery of the final version of the study.
Eligibility
The consultant or consulting team should demonstrate:
– Proven experience in district heating and cooling systems;
– Expertise in renewable energy integration and heat decarbonisation;
– Knowledge of European district heating policies and financing instruments;
– Experience conducting comparative policy and technical studies;
– Experience working with municipalities and public authorities;
– Strong analytical, research and report-writing skills in English.
Experience in Central and Eastern Europe and familiarity with Romanian and/or Latvian energy systems will be considered an asset.
How to apply
Applicants should submit their offers by 7 July to laura.nazare@bankwatch.org
The offer should contain:
– CV highlighting the required qualifications and experience
– Application consisting of technical and financial elements. The technical elements comprise a 3-page outline proposal for the study. The financial elements comprise the financial offer including VAT. The candidate should name at least two references who have agreed to support the application.
– Examples of similar previous work are welcome in support of the application.
– Signed statement certifying that the candidate does not fall into any situation that is grounds for exclusion from participation in the procurement (according to Bankwatch’s internal procedures).
Photo credit: Elmar Gubisch from Getty Images via Canva
This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
