Programme & Keynotes

• 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)}

• 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}

• 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}

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)}

• 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}

• 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}

• 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}

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)}

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)}

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

• 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

• 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}

• 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}

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)}

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 

• 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}

• 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}

• 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}

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  

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 

• 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}

• 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}

• 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}

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! 

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

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

• Genk: Visit the Open Thor Living Lab and enjoy a walk with a ranger
• Mol - Antwerp: Visit the geothermal site and the heating netwerk in Antwerp. People leaving Belgium after this event can easily connect to Brussels Airport of Brussels South train station after the visit.
• Genk: Discover C-Mine and visit the Open Thor Living Lab