The PROTECT (Policy-Ready Operational Tools for Extreme-heat Cities and Territories) initiative will create a system combining climate intelligence, heat risk assessment, forecasting, early warning systems, and innovative cooling solutions. This framework will include an Urban Heat Data Cube, heat-risk mapping, local forecasting, and decision-support tools to help cities identify heat hotspots and respond effectively during extreme heat events.
The project consortium comprises 34 partners, led by the Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas (CERTH). It brings together research organisations, public authorities, SMEs, large enterprises, and non-profit organisations, fostering cross-sector collaboration. The project, funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe with €9.9 million, will run from October 2026 to September 2030.
Solutions will be demonstrated across 12 intervention areas in five Front Runner cities: Trikala, Barcelona, Berlin, Turin, and Tallinn. Additionally, Glasgow, Istanbul, and Prague will explore the replicability of these solutions.
Representing IREC, Pol Paradell and José Luis Domínguez from the Power Systems Department will contribute their expertise in energy research and resilient energy systems to address the impacts of extreme heat on urban infrastructure and essential services.
The project will also assess combinations of green, blue, and grey solutions to reduce urban heat, considering factors such as water availability, comfort, and equity. Their performance will be monitored under real-world conditions in various European cities.
