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Programme

The preliminary programme is shown below:

Session 1    Digitalisation of DHC: optimal control 1        
Session 2    Sustainabilty of DHC and user engagement        
Session 3    Cost optimal design strategies 1        
Session 4    Thermal source networks        
Session 5    Modeling and data handling        
Session 6    Planning of DHC networks 1        
Session 7    Cost optimal design strategies 2        
Session 8    Planning of DHC networks 2        
Session 9    Efficiency improvements, modernisation and RES integration 1        
Session 10    Digitalisation of DHC: optimal control 2        
Session 11    Efficiency improvements, modernisation and RES integration 2        
Session 12    Geothermal DHC        
Session 13    DHC+ Student Award presentations        
Session 14    Digitalisation of DHC: fault detection and diagnosis        
Session 15    Technological advances for new and existing networks        

 

For more information on the organisation of the special sessions, please contact the organisation on IEADHCSymposium2025@energyville.be

Keynote speakers offering a unique global perspective 

We’re especially proud to present a strong line-up of keynote speakers, representing Europe, Asia, and North America. Together, their talks will offer a unique global perspective on DHC innovations, challenges, and realisations across continents:

Europe
Robin WiltshireRobin Wiltshire (IEA DHC and Heatmatters Ltd)
With 30 years’ experience in the Energy Sector, Robin now divides his time between work on Heat Networks and teaching duties where he strives to integrate his experience with the curriculum for the next generation. He is currently Chair of the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on District Heating and Cooling. 

 

Asia

Professor Jianjun XiaJianjun Xia (Tsinghua University)
Professor Jianjun Xia is currently Associate Professor in the Building energy research center, school of Architecture, Tsinghua University. Prof. Jianjun Xia’s areas of expertise include energy planning, utilization of industrial waste heat for space heating, and building energy systems. He is currently principle (co-)investigator for several 15th and 14th five-year national science and technology supporting projects, which involving key research of improving energy efficiency for district heating system in Northern China, industrial surplus heat application, and high-performance HVAC equipment. He is the deputy director of the Tsinghua building energy research center, and member of the Executive Committee (ExCo) and representative for China of IEA District Heating and Cooling TCP (IEA DHC). He is also the deputy director of Scientific Committee of China District Heating Association. He serves as associate editor for international journal “Building Simulation”, and he is author or co-author of five books and more than 150 scientific papers. 

North-America

Michael AhernMichael Ahern (Ever-Green Energy LLC)
Michael Ahern has over 30 years of experience in leading development, engineering, construction, operation, and management of industrial and energy systems. This includes operational oversight of businesses in the industrial and energy fields, with a specific focus on district systems over the last fifteen years. At Ever-Green, he leads the development and advancement of mission-based campus and community energy and utility systems. Ahern holds a BS in Business Finance from the University of Notre Dame, with an International Business Minor. Michael is currently on the Board of the International District Energy Association (IDEA). 

David Woodson (University of Washington)
David Woodson is the Executive Director of Campus, Energy, Utilities, and Operations at the University of Washington where he is leading the effort to upgrade the utility infrastructure, decarbonize the district heating system, and make the energy systems more resilient, at the flagship Seattle campus.  David previously had a similar role at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and now is enjoying the opportunity to apply the lessons learned from UBC at UW.  David is a UW Alum (Aero and Astro ‘91) and has his MBA ‘06 from UBC.  David is the current Chair of the International District Energy Association (IDEA). 

This is a rare opportunity to hear from leading voices in the global DHC community.

Sunday 7 September
Monday 8 September
Tuesday 9 September
Wednesday 10 September
7 September 2025 at 19:00 — 7 September 2025 at 23:00
Welcome reception at M-Hotel, Genk
8 September 2025 at 09:30 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Opening Ceremony
8 September 2025 at 10:30 — 8 September 2025 at 11:00
Coffee break
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Keynote Speeches
Europe Robin Wiltshire (IEA DHC and Heatmatters Ltd)
Asia Jianjun Xia (Tsinghua University)
North-America Michael Ahern (Ever-Green Energy LLC)
David Woodson (University of Washington)

 

8 September 2025 at 12:30 — 8 September 2025 at 14:00
Lunch
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 1: Digitalisation of DHC: optimal control 1
  • Numerical Analysis of a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Substations in Low-Temperature District Heating from a German Living Lab Project
    Rahul Mohandasan Karuvingal (RWTH Aachen University, Germany)
  • Optimising integration of high-temperature underground thermal energy storage in district heating systems via co-simulation and control
    Tijs Van Oevelen (VITO/EnergyVille, Belgium)
  • A bi-level strategy for optimal control of heat distribution in meshed District Heating Networks including multiple production units
    Mohamed Tahar Mabrouk (IMT Atlantique, France)
  • Digital Twin modelling to optimise District Heating inlet temperature control
    Pascal Sander (University of Bremen, Germany)
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 2: Sustainabilty of DHC and user engagement
  • New method for welding steel district heating and cooling pipes
    Erik Tønjum, Snapwelder AS, The Netherlands
  • Environmental advantages and recycling potential of temporarily flowable backfill as bedding material for district heating pipes
    Florian Spirkl, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Germany
  • Field tests and retrofit attempts on the operational electricity consumption of Chinese district heating network
    Menghan Wan, Tsinghua University, China
  • Evaluating the potential of gamification in District Heating Systems: Insights from stakeholder and user surveys on motivational tariffs and behaviour change
    Nermina Abdurahmanovic, Fraunhofer IEE, Germany
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 3 - Cost optimal design strategies 1
  • Optimizing DH Supply for Positive Energy Districts
    Nirav Patel, TU Wien, Austria
  • Optimizing a Multi-Vector Energy Community with Geothermal-Powered District Heating
    Natalia Kozlowska, University of Liège, Belgium
  • Impact of Demand Simultaneity on Optimal District Heating Network Design
    Amadeo Ceruti, Technical University of Munich, Germany
  • Decarbonisation of the Linz district heating system - determining the cost-minimising generation portfolio through optimisation and the role of seasonal thermal storages
    Ralf-Roman Schmidt, AIT Austrian Institute for Technology, Austria
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Special Session TS8: Experimental investigations of DHC systems

Reaching climate targets requires transforming and expanding district heating (DH) networks. The use of variable and multivalent heat sources calls for digitalisation, sector coupling and innovative operating strategies. Laboratory and field experiments—supported by digital applications such as digital twins—enable the investigation and development of realistic DH supply concepts. Compared to simulation-based approaches, these methods offer deeper insights into physical behaviour and support the improvement and validation of software tools and calculation data. 

Within this context, the IEA DHC Annex TS8 project promotes experimental research to support the development of advanced DH strategies. It focuses on identifying promising digital technologies, compiling robust design and control methods, and assessing requirements for future DH studies. While several experimental facilities are already in operation—often tailored to specific research tasks—linking selected infrastructures may complement and strengthen ongoing investigations. Literature reviews and targeted surveys help map available lab and field setups, contributing to an informed and integrated research landscape. 

This session presents key project results and provides insights into experimental research shaping the future of district heating.  

  • Experimental Investigations of DHC Systems: Innovative Approaches to Optimize District Heating Networks for Sustainable Development
    Anna Cadenbach (Fraunhofer IEE, Germany)
  • Experimental characterization of pipe heat flow in a District Energy Laboratory
    Oliver Gehrke (Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark)
  • Data-Driven Maintenance in District Heating Substations: FMEA-Based Failure Prediction and Efficiency Optimization
    Chia Qian Tong (Fraunhofer IEE, Germany)
  • Integration of Decentralized Renewable Energy Sources into DHC Systems: Technical Challenges and Experimental Solutions 
    Basit Wani Mohd (TalTech, Estonia)
  • An Overview of the Networking Potential of DHC Test Facilities
    Edmund Widl (AIT, Austria) 
  • A literature review on ongoing and recently completed research projects involving experimental investigations related to district heating and cooling
    Jad Al Koussa (VITO, Belgium)
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Special Session TS5
8 September 2025 at 15:30 — 8 September 2025 at 16:00
Coffee break
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:30
Session 4 - Thermal source networks
  • Decarbonization existing urban fabric through 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling
    Arthur Ackermans, Ingenium nv, Belgium
  • Performance of a prototype substation for 5th generation district heating and cooling networks
    Gianni Martinazzoli, A2A Calore e Servizi & Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
  • A 5th generation district heating and cooling network (5GDHC) driven by shallow geothermal, economic analysis and geohydrological modelling for comparison with an individual system
    Hoes, Hans, Terra Energy, Belgium
  • CollecThor: technical realisation of a low temperature thermal network
    Gert Moermans, VITO/EnergyVille, Belgium
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:30
Session 5 - Modeling and data handling
  • Integrating High-Temperature ATES into District Heating Networks: FMI-Based Co-Simulation with Modelica and FEFLOW
    Max Ohagen, Technical University Darmstadt, Germany
  • Generation of Large DH System Models Using Open-Source Data and Tools: An Exemplary Workflow
    André Xhonneux, Forchungszentrum Jülich, Germany
  • Modeling with the 223P ontology and adaptation for optimized DHC operation
    Steffen Wallner, Fraunhofer IOSB, Germany
  • Optimizing Thermal Energy Storage Models: Enhancing Accuracy through Variable Layer Calibration
    Jonas Cleiren, University of Antwerp, Belgium
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:30
Session 6 - Planning of DHC networks 1
  • Presentation of the Italian Atlas of potential District Heating networks to recover industrial waste heat
    Alice Dénarié, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
  • Economic evaluation of a heat highway between existing district heating networks
    Katharina Rusch, Energieinstitut an der JKU Linz, Austria
  • Feasibility Assessment Tool for District Heating and Cooling (FAST DHC): a simple decision support tool for the techno-economic evaluation of DHC networks
    Henrique Lagoeiro, London South Bank University, United Kingdom
  • Modelling Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Sustainable District Heating Development
    Luis Sánchez García, Högskolan i Halmstad, Sweden
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:30
Special Session TS6: Status Assessment, Ageing, Lifetime Prediction and Asset Management of District Heating Pipes

Existing DH networks are the pillar for the implementation of the European climate targets. A lot of DH pipes in these networks have been built before the 1990s and to ensure the security of supply we need to know their remaining service life as well as targeted maintenance strategies. Requirements for maintenance strategies are meaningful inventory, accurate damage statistics, and comprehensive operating data as well as reliable simulation results from asset management tools. Scarce existing data in combination with the numerous influences on the service life of a DH pipes result great uncertainties in asset management. The IEA DHC Task Shared 6 Project is collecting and gaining research results regarding the forecasting accuracy of the remaining service life of the DH pipes and to improve asset management simulations. 

The IEA DHC Annex TS6 Session will summarize previous project results and provide in-depth insights into the remaining service life of prefabricated DH pipes aged in operation.  

  • The TS6 Project: overall objectives and results gained
    Stefan Hay (AGFW, Germany)
  • Comparison of different methods for status assessment and service life prediction of pre-fabricated district heating pipes aged in operation: 
    • The samples history: locations, loads and operational conditions
      Tillmann Deselaers (AGFW, Germany)  
    • Results gained with RISE PipeOpsy 
      Nazdaneh Yarahmadi (RISE, Sweden)
    • Results gained based on current standards and chemical analysis of polyurethane foam
      Andreas Leuteritz (IPF Dresden, Germany)  
    • Summary and Conclusions  
      Stefan Hay (AGFW, Germany)
  • Asset Management of DH Pipes: researchers’ perspective 
    Ingo Kropp (3S Consult, Germany)
  • Asset Management of DH Pipes: practical experiences  
    N.N. (DH operator)
  • Creating a Future Perspective for DH networks based on general trends and improved Asset Management Simulation
    Anna Cadenbach (Fraunhofer IEE, Germany)
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:30
Special Session TS9: Digitalisation of District Heating and Cooling, Improving Efficiency and Performance Through Data Integration

District heating and cooling (DHC) systems have traditionally operated with limited controls which lack detailed insights into supply and utilization structures, hindering optimal heat generation and network operation. Digitalization offers new opportunities for more efficient and sustainable management of DHC systems, enabling better integration of renewable sources, improved network operation, and enhanced end-user experiences. In transitioning to a 100% renewable energy system, digitalizing DHC systems is crucial, as it optimizes generation and network operations, improves heating system control in buildings, and empowers end-consumers.  

This session will explore the impact of digitalization on the DHC industry, highlight state-of-the-art technology, and discuss challenges and opportunities for integrating digital processes into DHC systems. By focusing on the potential to enhance the 4th Generation District Heating (4GDH) system, the workshop seeks to empower stakeholders with the knowledge needed for informed decision-making and optimization of DHC performance and data utilization.  

  • Digitalization of district heating: Enabling technology for transforming heat networks 
    Dietrich Schmidt (Fraunhofer IEE, Germany)
  • Challenges for data access and data interoperability in DHC  
    Edmund Widl (AIT, Austria)
  • Use cases and applications of semantic modelling for DHC and buildings  
    Qian Wang (KTH, Sweden)
  • Using the flexibility in the network pipes and the buildings to reduce peak loads in a district heating network  
    Michele Tunzi (DTU, Denmark)
  • How digitalization can impact the business case of DH - online contribution
    Kristina Lygnerud (LTH, Sweden) & Zheng Grace Ma (SDU, Denmark)
8 September 2025 at 19:00 — 8 September 2025 at 23:00
Conference dinner

Barenzaal Genk, C-MINE, Evence Coppéelaan 91, 3600 Genk, Belgium.

8 September 2025 at 09:30 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Opening Ceremony
8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 9 September 2025 at 17:00
Poster Presentations
  • Arash Farnam, Ghent University, Belgium
    Differentiable Predictive Control for Indoor Air Temperature Control in Buildings

  • Bert Schiebler, Institut für Solarernergieforschung GmbH (ISFH), Germany
    Large-scale solar thermal systems in district heating networks: A review of German projects regarding dimensioning, temperatures and stagnation times

  • Christian Timo Johannes Wolff, Fraunhofer ISE, Germany
    Pyrolysis-plant potentials for DHC in Germany

  • Delaram Bayat, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
    A Comparative techno-economic assessment of seasonal thermal energy storage for decarbonized district heating networks

  • Dennis Lottis, Fraunhofer IEE, Germany
    Digital Control Systems for District Heating Substations: A Simulation Study on Peak Load Reductions

  • Femke Janssen, TNO, the Netherlands
    Integral Heating and Cooling Optimization of District Heating Networks

  • Heimir Tryggvason, Reykjavik Energy, Iceland
    Geothermal District Heating Networks in Iceland – Challenges and Future Strategies at Veitur Utility

  • Hyeong-Jin Choi, GS E&C Institute, South Korea
    Implementation of a Low-Temperature Thermal Source Network Pilot System for Community Energy Independence

  • Ina Herrmann, University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Germany
    Analysis of peak load reduction with configuration of district heating controllers and a newly developed optimization box

  • Isaura Bonneux, University of Antwerp, Belgium
    Perspectives of end users of district heat in Antwerp

  • Isaura Bonneux, University of Antwerp, Belgium
    Proposal for a method to simultaneously maximize the economic and environmental values of a district heating and cooling system for an electricity market

  • Jeong-woon You, Korea EMS Association, South Korea
    Toward a Reference Model for Thermal Energy–Balanced EMS: Review of 5GDHC and Korean Implications

  • Jochen K. Illerhaus, Karlsruher Institute of Technology, Germany
    Dynamic Flow Temperature Optimization increases Energy-Efficiency in a District Heating Network

  • Johan Van Bael, VITO, Belgium
    Integration of a closed-loop geothermal system in a district heating network: impact of eccentricity of the inner pipe to the flow and heat transfer.

  • Luca Vittorio Valentini, University of Innsbruck, Austria
    Making district heating flexible: study of flexibility options with different control strategies

  • Magdalena Pflügl, Energieinstitut an der JKU Linz, Austria
    Decarbonizing Peak Heat Load in District Heating: Current Practices and Future Renewable Strategies

  • Marco Wirtz, nPro Energy GmbH, Germany
    Heuristic Pipe Sizing Algorithm for 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks

  • Maximilian Stahlhut, Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany
    Data center waste heat utilization: Analysis and modeling of liquid-cooled servers

  • Mazarine Roquet, Université de Liège, Belgium
    Measurement-based control strategies for thermal comfort and regulation in low-temperature district heating networks

  • Min-Hwi Kim, Renewable Energy System Laboratory, South Korea
    Operational Analysis of a 4GDHC System in an Energy-Self-Sufficient Smart Village in Busan, South Korea

  • Mohsen Sharifi, VITO, Belgium
    A comparison between district heating and heat pumps investment and operational cost for district energy efficiency measures

  • Nils Zimmerling, Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany
    Thermal Monitoring of Concrete Ducts – Concept Presentation

  • Qinjiang Yang, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
    Evaluating Laboratory Operations for Simulating Multi-Storey Radiator Heating Systems

  • Sandra Julia Forndran, University of Innsbruck, Austria
    Lowering return temperatures to district heating networks by a cascade concept with integrated heat pump

  • Tanel Kirs, Talinn Technical University, Estonia
    Measuring District Heating Network Effect on District Cooling Network Losses in an Urban Environment

  • Yong Kim, Apt-neuroscience Inc., South Korea
    Development and Demonstration of a Smart Interactive Thermal Energy Balanced Network for Distributed Next-Generation District Heating and Cooling Systems

8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Session 7 - Cost optimal design strategies 2
  • Synergies Between District Cooling Expansion and Carbon-Neutral District Heating
    Gerhard Totschnig, AIT Austrian Institute for Technology, Austria
  • Hydraulic integration of large-scale seasonal thermal energy storage with heat pumps in district heating systems
    Abdulrahman Dahash, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria
  • A Linear Heat Dispatch Model Considering Temperature and Pressure Losses in District Heating Networks
    Jerry Lambert, Technical University of Munich, Germany
  • Multi-scenario design optimization of district heating networks with thermal-hydraulic validation
    Yacine Gaoua, CEA, France
8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Session 8 - Planning of DHC networks 2
  • Achieving efficient district heating targets in a Croatian network: heat source mapping and techno-economic scenarios analysis
    Daniele Anania, Eurac Research, Italy
  • Review of Tools and Methods to identify excess heat potentials in district heating
    Rasmus Magni Johannsen, Aalborg University, Denmark
  • Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Sustainable District Heating Development
    Daniel Møller Sneum, Energy Modelling Lab/Lund University, Denmark/Sweden
  • Transitioning from High-Temperature to Low-Temperature District Heating: The Evolution of the Energy Master Plan at UZ Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg
    Joris Dedecker, Ingenium nv, Belgium
8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Session 9 - Efficiency improvements, modernisation and RES integration 1
  • Natural circulation and other measures to ensure heating supply to buildings connected to district heating in the event of electrical grid blackout
    Merilin Nurme, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
  • Optimizing Low-Grade Waste Heat Recovery for District Heating: A Case Study of a Steel Plant in China
    Zanyu Yang, Tsinghua University, China
  • Integration of Decentralized Renewable Energy Sources into DHC Systems: Technical Challenges and Experimental Solutions
    Mohd Basit Wani, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
  • Deterministic optimisation of district heating network retrofit to reduce supply temperature
    Anne-Geneviève Lemelle, CEA, France
8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Special Session Design Optimization Methods for District Heating and Cooling Networks

With an evolution to low and very-low temperature networks, multiple (intermittent) heat producers, and heat storage, the design of heating networks has become increasingly complex. In recent years, several methods have been introduced to automatically design heating networks based on mathematical optimization strategies, including cost-effective network topologies, dimensioning of pipes and producers, and operational parameters. The resulting mathematical optimization problem is complex with discrete variables and intrinsic nonlinear model aspects that often necessitate simplification to linearized programming approaches. More recently, different nonlinear optimization approaches have emerged as alternatives that are able to maintain the nonlinear nature of the flow and heat transfer.  

The aim of this special session is to introduce and review the different optimization approaches for design optimization, present state-of-the-art topics in different approaches, and discuss on their virtues and drawbacks. 

  • Review on Design Optimization Methods for District Heating Networks  
    Maarten Blommaert (KU Leuven, Belgium)
  • Integral Heating and Cooling Optimization of District Heating Networks 
    Kobus Van Rooyen (TNO, Netherlands)
  • Multi-scenario design optimization of district heating networks with thermal-hydraulic validation 
    Nicolas Vasset (CEA-LITEN, France)
  • Optimal Placement of Heat Pump Substations in District Heating Networks for Cost-Effective Temperature Reduction 
    Martin Sollich (KU Leuven, Belgium)
8 September 2025 at 09:00 — 8 September 2025 at 10:30
Special Session DENSE: (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) PhD topic pitches

This special session is dedicated to the DENSE (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) project, a 4-year Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-Doctoral Network (HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN) funded within the framework of the HORIZON EUROPE Program.  12 doctoral candidates from the DENSE (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) project will present their progress and goals. They want to reach out to experts within the various relevant fields, creating awareness for the groundbreaking research topics they are exploring and searching for valuable feedback and perhaps collaboration opportunities. 

 

DENSE is addressing individual research projects and training of early-stage researchers in the innovative dependable engineering of Smart Energy Systems (SESs) with the main focus on robustness as well as preventive and corrective actions under uncertainty. Dependability of complex networks, such as SESs, characterizes their ability to deliver services that can justifiably be trusted. Thus, dependability comprises system attributes, such as availability, reliability, safety, integrity and maintainability. A key requirement of dependability is the desire for providing justifiable trust in the system performance. Hence, rigorous systems engineering yielding provable performance guarantees throughout the system’s lifetime is already required at the design stage. 

 

Presentations in this special session: 

The 12 doctoral candidates will pitch the progress and the goals of their PhD research 

8 September 2025 at 10:30 — 8 September 2025 at 11:00
Coffee break
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Session 10 - Digitalisation of DHC: optimal control 2
  • Demand side management for peak shaving in district heating systems using model predictive control at substation level
    Antoine Piguet, CEA, France
  • Demonstration of peak shaving through combined demand response and supply temperature control
    Tijs Van Oevelen, VITO/EnergyVille, Belgium
  • Data-Driven Cooling Demand Forecasting for District Cooling Operation
    Hjörleifur Guðbjörn Bergsteinsson, Danfoss, Denmark
  • Using machine learning to optimize district heating operations
    Dietrich Schmidt, Fraunhofer IEE, Germany
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Session 11 - Efficiency improvements, modernisation and RES integration 2
  • Hydraulic and thermal effects of different building refurbishment strategies in district heating networks
    Dmitry Romanov, HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany
  • Improved District Heating Return Temperatures by Cascading Concepts
    Jan Eric Thorsen, Danfoss, Denmark
  • Mitigating the hidden cost of electrifying heat: A case study using solar and thermal storage to achieve a zero-emission campus while minimizing electric grid demand impact
    Raymond Boulter, National Resources Canada, Canada
  • Innovative Methodology for Profiling Foam Density: Non-Destructive X-ray Microscopy (XRM) Approach
    Pakdad Langroudi, HafenCity Universität Hamburg, Germany
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Session 12 - Geothermal DHC
  • Status of the VITO deep geothermal project in Mol – Donk (northern Belgium)
    Ben Laenen, VITO, Belgium
  • Enhancing waste heat integration into district heating through geothermal storage and heat pumps: risk and techno-economic assessment
    Amir M. Jodeiri, Eurac Research, Italy
  • Design of closed-loop geothermal single wells for heating applications
    Justin Pogacnik, VITO, Belgium
  • Borehole Heat Exchanger Field Layout Optimization for Sustainable District Heating and Cooling Networks
    Kai Droste, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Special Session CH&C: Community-led Heating and Cooling: The Road to the EU’s Thermal Democratisation

The goal of this special session is to inform the audience about Community-led Heating and Cooling Networks, including the number of Community-led Heating and Cooling Networks projects (REScoop.eu data), their citizen-led nature, their drivers and barriers, while offering policy recommendations for their replication.  

This special session will combine presentations with active audience participation, discussing the barriers that were faced in heating and cooling decarbonisation. 

The Target audience for this session are local and regional authorities, potential developers (cooperatives, small utilities, energy communities, etc.) and energy experts  

  • Covenant of Mayors: Introduction to local authorities’ needs for heating and cooling decarbonisation and municipal heating and cooling planning.  
  • REScoop.eu: Introduction to energy communities and their Community-led Heating and Cooling initiatives  
  • ConnectHeat: Presentation of project and results  
8 September 2025 at 11:00 — 8 September 2025 at 12:30
Special Session DENSE: (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) PhD topic pitches

This special session is dedicated to the DENSE (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) project, a 4-year Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-Doctoral Network (HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN) funded within the framework of the HORIZON EUROPE Program.  12 doctoral candidates from the DENSE (Dependable Smart Energy Systems) project will present their progress and goals. They want to reach out to experts within the various relevant fields, creating awareness for the groundbreaking research topics they are exploring and searching for valuable feedback and perhaps collaboration opportunities. 

 

DENSE is addressing individual research projects and training of early-stage researchers in the innovative dependable engineering of Smart Energy Systems (SESs) with the main focus on robustness as well as preventive and corrective actions under uncertainty. Dependability of complex networks, such as SESs, characterizes their ability to deliver services that can justifiably be trusted. Thus, dependability comprises system attributes, such as availability, reliability, safety, integrity and maintainability. A key requirement of dependability is the desire for providing justifiable trust in the system performance. Hence, rigorous systems engineering yielding provable performance guarantees throughout the system’s lifetime is already required at the design stage. 

 

Presentations in this special session: 

The 12 doctoral candidates will pitch the progress and the goals of their PhD research 

8 September 2025 at 12:30 — 8 September 2025 at 14:00
Lunch
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 13: DHC+ Student Award Presentations
  • Performance of a prototype substation for 5th generation district heating and cooling networks
    Gianni Martinazzoli, Universita degli Studi di Brescia, Italy 
  • Data-driven approach for diagnosing inefficiencies and optimizing district heating networks
    Sajedeh Roustaei, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
  • Systematic Assessment of Scientific Case Studies on Optimization Measures – A Value-Added Approach for District Heating Operators?
    Anna Vannahme,  TU Munich & Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 14 - Digitalisation of DHC: fault detection and diagnosis
  • Exploiting Synergies of Data-Driven and Model-Based Approaches for Leakage Localization in District Heating Networks: Application of improved Approaches
    Dennis Pierl, University of Bremen, Germany
  • From Time Series to Images: Exploring Convolutional and Vision Transformers for Fault Detection in District Heating
    Jonne van Dreven, Blekinge Institute of Technology/VITO, Sweden/Belgium
  • Data-Driven Fault Detection and Diagnosis in District Heating Substations and the Impact of Return Temperature Reduction
    Vera Alieva, Technical University of Dresden, Germany
  • Automatic fault detection in DHC systems using hybrid modelling
    Pieter Jan Houben, University of Antwerp, Belgium
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Session 15 - Technological advances for new and existing networks
  • TFSB as bedding material in district heating pipe construction - scientifically proven long-term experience
    Bernd Wagner, AGFW, Germany
  • Data Pre-process Methods Enhancing HCA Measurement Usability
    Michele Tunzi, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
  • Experimental Investigation on the Thermal Conductivity of Alternative Bedding Materials for District Heating Networks
    Stefan Dollhopf, HafenCity University Hamburg, Germany
  • Optimizing the Next Generation of District Heating and Cooling Systems While Ensuring Reliable Domestic Hot Water Supply
    Mohammad-Reza Kolahi, University of Geneva, Switzerland
8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Geothermal workshop: Establishing the Future of Geothermal and Underground Thermal Storage Solutions for DHC networks

Join us for an interactive workshop dedicated to advancing geothermal and underground thermal energy storage solutions for district heating and cooling networks. 

The session will begin with a round of 2-minute participant pitches to stimulate ideas and highlight ongoing initiatives. This introduction round will be followed by a collaborative working session aimed at outlining the key contents of a strategic white paper.  The ambition of the special session is to identify together opportunities and barriers, innovation needs, explore implementation pathways, and ideally match contributors to sections of the paper.  

This is a unique opportunity to help drive and support the development of sustainable, low-carbon thermal networks, and contribute to a document that will inform future research and investment agendas in the sector. 

 

Be part of the conversation — and the solution! 

8 September 2025 at 14:00 — 8 September 2025 at 15:30
Special Session TS7
8 September 2025 at 15:30 — 8 September 2025 at 16:00
Coffee break
8 September 2025 at 16:00 — 8 September 2025 at 17:00
Awards and closing session
8 September 2025 at 17:00 — 8 September 2025 at 19:00
Closing Reception

Thor Terrazza, Thor Park 8000, 3600 Genk, Belgium.

8 September 2025 at 19:00 — 8 September 2025 at 21:00
Optional: Brewery visit BRAUW

Beer tasting BRAUW, Molenstraat 37/1, 3600 Genk, Belgium

10 September 2025 at 09:00 — 10 September 2025 at 16:00
Site visits