On 19 February 2026, the kick-off meeting of the Coggiola Living Lab, promoted by Engreen within the framework of the European project MUSE-DHC, took place in Coggiola. Funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, MUSE-DHC aims to support the development of efficient, sustainable, and participatory district heating and cooling networks across Europe.
The meeting, hosted at the Ex Asilo Don Fava Theatre in Portula, marked the first official public discussion involving citizens, local authorities, businesses, biomass supply chain operators, and territorial stakeholders interested in the development of a district heating system powered by locally sourced biomass in the Valsessera area.
MUSE-DHC brings together partners from five European countries and seeks to develop nine new investment plans for district heating and cooling networks based on renewable energy sources and participatory governance models. For the Italian case study, Coggiola was selected as a pilot area due to its significant forestry resources, strong local institutional interest, and the potential to replicate the model in other Alpine valleys.
During the Living Lab, Engreen presented the project objectives, the activities planned for the coming years, and the roadmap that will guide the development of the technical and economic feasibility study for the future district heating network. Among the key objectives discussed were:
- Promoting the sustainable use of local biomass resources
- Regenerating underutilized areas
- Creating new economic opportunities for the local community
- Building a shared energy model involving citizens, businesses, and public institutions
The event gathered more than 20 participants, including representatives from local administrations, companies, energy sector operators, associations, and citizens. The discussion was structured through an interactive session that enabled participants to share priorities, expectations, and preferred forms of engagement throughout the project.
Key topics that emerged included reducing energy costs for citizens and businesses, integrating renewable energy sources, strengthening participatory governance models, and ensuring continuous dialogue with the local community throughout all project phases. Participants also expressed a strong willingness to take part in thematic working groups, public meetings, and co-design activities.
The Coggiola Living Lab represents a first concrete step towards the development of a more sustainable, resilient, and participatory territorial energy model, capable of leveraging local resources and generating new development opportunities for the valley. This journey will continue throughout the project through regular meetings, stakeholder engagement activities, and public consultation events.
Author: Fabrizio Colombelli
