Integrating local resources for energy independence: Gemona del Friuli’s biomass district heating project 

Gemona del Friuli is demonstrating how mountain territories can harness local resources, integrate innovative technologies, and steer energy independence. Through the advancement of its biomass district heating plant, the municipality is securing infrastructure that converts forestry resources and waste heat from a nearby crematorium into sustainable energy. As a flagship action of the Green Communities initiative, funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the project shows how short supply chains can support decarbonisation and prepare the ground for a future thermal Energy Community. 

From local challenges to an integrated heating solution 

Launched in 2023, the project responds to the need to decarbonise heat supply demand in public buildings. It also addresses the fragmentation of private forestry surfaces in a region where forest cover has more than doubled since the 1950s. The chosen solution combines a district heating network fuelled by local wood biomass with an innovative waste‑heat recovery system, now delivering renewable heat to key public users and stimulating local economic activity. 

Building an integrated, future-proof system 

The Gemonese Mountain Community, which if formed of 6 municipalities, and the Municipality of Gemona del Friuli manage the institutional and administrative framework, while the Friuli Venezia Giulia Energy Agency (APE FVG) plays a decisive technical role through the QM Holzheizwerke certification process, ensuring high-quality planning, monitoring, and system performance.  

Fully publicly funded, the project represents approximately 3.5 million EUR, including 2 216 051,42 EUR from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and 1 326 833,46 EUR from regional grants, with additional support from Entrain (Interreg Central Europe) and ConnectHeat (LIFE). 

The plant includes two 450 kW biomass boilers, a heat recovery system estimated to supply 1 500 MWh/year, and 45 m³ of thermal storage that covers summer base loads with recovered heat. The network currently delivers around 1 650 MWh/year to public buildings, enabling a 100% conversion from fossil fuels, specifically natural gas, to renewable energy. 

Results and impact: energy, environment, community 

The transition to renewable heat yields 1 056 MWh/year of primary energy savings and avoids 270 tons of CO₂ equivalent/year from methane replacement, plus an additional 366 tons through avoided electricity consumption and enhanced heat recovery. Benefiting facilities include the Palazzetto dello Sport, Piscina Atlantis, Palestra GemonAtletica, two school gyms, and a middle school, all receiving lower, stable prices through a non-profit model. 

To reinforce energy independence, partners are developing a short, certified wood‑chip supply chain via a future Forestry Community, which will aggregate forest owners, create stable local jobs, and improve forest management. 

Prepared for expansion and community governance 

The network has been strategically oversized to 1,5-1,8 MW, enabling future private connections and the possible installation of an additional 450 kW boiler. The next phases foresee the creation of a Thermal Renewable Energy Community paired with a Production/Forestry Community and long-term contracts. 

A replicable model for mountain regions 

The Gemona model is highly replicable thanks to three structural elements: 

• QM Holzheizwerke to ensure robust planning, accurate sizing, and long-term bankability. 

• Community governance, combining a Forestry Community for biomass production with a Consumption Community, which together share decision-making. 

• Infrastructure oversizing, enabling phased growth even under tight funding timelines. 

By integrating local resources and planning for future flexibility, Gemona del Friuli offers a practical, scalable pathway for mountain territories seeking energy independence through sustainable heating.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!