The Municipality of Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium, benefited from tailored technical assistance through the Smart Cities Marketplace’s technical assistance programme, setting an example for other cities aiming to accelerate their energy transition.
Selected in April 2025, Hechtel-Eksel received expert guidance to develop a robust, cost-effective renovation concept for its municipal sports hall and to prepare a strong application for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support. The consultancy covered all key aspects: from baseline analysis and site visits to weekly working sessions and a thorough review of the ERDF application.
The support enabled the city to:
· Identify the most suitable insulation and heating technologies, prioritising a thermal retrofit of the old sports hall section and the replacement of outdated gas boilers with efficient heat pumps.
· Plan a comprehensive upgrade including LED lighting and a 120 kWp photovoltaic rooftop system, optimising for future electric loads and self-consumption.
· Achieve projected reductions of up to 68% in primary energy use and over 80 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, while improving user comfort and operational costs.
· Reconfigure changing rooms for better capacity and energy performance, integrating modern heating, ventilation, and lighting solutions.
Throughout the process, the Smart Cities Marketplace team acted as a technical reference, ensuring that the city’s funding application was underpinned by robust calculations and aligned with regional sustainability priorities. Alternative funding options were also explored, confirming the ERDF as the best fit for the project’s ambitions.
Hechtel-Eksel’s experience demonstrates how targeted technical support can empower municipalities to turn climate goals into actionable projects, secure funding, and deliver tangible benefits for their communities. Cities interested in accelerating their own energy transition are encouraged to apply for Smart Cities Marketplace technical assistance and take the next step toward a sustainable future.