UP also presented itself at the closing conference of the REHEATEAST project in Pécs

The University of Pécs (UP) participated as a strategic partner in an international cooperation led by the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) and supported through the Interreg Danube Region Programme. On 27 May 2026, the first day of the REHEATEAST project's closing conference was held at the Palatinus Grand Hotel in Pécs. Led by the Pannon EGTC and supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme, the project focused on reducing the fossil energy demand of district heating systems, as well as the regional application of renewable and energy-efficient solutions.

The University of Pécs participated in the implementation of the project as a strategic partner and also played a role in carrying out a joint pilot project led by the Pannon EGTC and in collaboration with PÉTÁV (the local district heating provider). The university had previously reported on the pilot initiative, demonstrating how the cooperation could contribute to the development of local district heating and energy management solutions.

On the first day of the closing conference, the University of Pécs was given the opportunity to present its project called GeoBuilding. The presentation was given by Balázs Borkovits, Deputy Head of the International Grant Applications Department and professional leader of the GeoBuilding project, during the professional block showcasing renewable district heating and cooling solutions, as well as related European projects. At the conference, participants were provided with a European and domestic outlook on the future of district heating, the possibilities of waste heat utilisation, the role of geothermal energy, and energy efficiency and renewable energy-based initiatives taking place in the Danube region.

It is particularly important for the University of Pécs to be a member of the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, which is a key player in regional and cross-border cooperation. The collaborative work developed in the REHEATEAST project perfectly illustrates how linking university knowledge, a regional development approach, and practical energy experience can yield tangible results.

The cooperation between UP and the Pannon EGTC proved to be forward-looking and professionally valuable throughout the project. The joint work not only supported the realisation of the project's goals but also created a new foundation for future joint initiatives in the fields of sustainable energy utilisation, innovation, and regional development.

Interreg Danube Region Programme The REHEATEAST project was implemented within the framework of the Interreg Danube Region Programme, co-financed by the European Union. The participation of the Hungarian partner in the project was co-financed by the Hungarian State.