Hot and Cool topics on District Heating and Cooling
Claim This Podcastby DBDH
Podcast Overview
<p><strong>Listen along as various district energy experts from DBDH interview the world's leading specialists on hot and cool topics concerning district heating and cooling today.</strong></p><p>We bring together leading experts, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the key transitions in district energy systems - from technology and infrastructure to policy, business models, and social acceptance.</p><p>Each episode dives deep into one important topic - for example, municipal heat planning, aqua thermal energy, large heat pumps, or hydrogen and PtX in district heating. Along the way, our guests don’t just provide insights - we ask them to share one actionable recommendation you can bring back to your own utility or municipality.</p><p><strong>Why listen?</strong></p><ul><li>Hear how real‐world systems are being transformed, not just theoretically.</li><li>Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities in district energy.</li><li>Access practical insights from seasoned professionals and thought-leaders.</li><li>Stay connected with the international district heating community.</li></ul><p><strong>Who is it for?</strong></p><p>Municipal and regional decision-makers, utility directors, engineers, suppliers, and anyone engaged in the transition of heating systems - especially those working on low-carbon, flexible, and future-proof networks.</p><p><strong>How to participate</strong></p><p>You can listen via all major podcast platforms or right here via the DBDH channel. Subscribe, share with your network, and join the conversation about shaping the future of heat.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/16/2021
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Recent Episodes
April 15, 2026
WaterWarmth Podcast Series: No. 3 - "Why AquaThermal projects succeed or stall"
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September 12, 2025
Embedding Social Sustainability in the District Energy Business Model
<p>Social sustainability is the “missing pillar” in many district heating strategies. In this episode, <strong>Hanne Kortegaard Støchkel</strong> (DBDH) talks with <strong>Kristina Lygnerud</strong> and <strong>Johanna Aurault</strong> about how to integrate social value into every stage of the district heating value chain.</p><p>From a Canadian case study in Burnaby to practical tools like social KPIs, they explore how municipalities and companies can work together to improve community well-being, strengthen business cases, and stay competitive.</p><p>🎯 <strong>For:</strong> Business developers, municipal decision‑makers, and energy professionals.</p><p>Social sustainability is often overlooked in district heating, yet it is essential for creating energy systems that are resilient, inclusive, and trusted by communities. It goes beyond economic and environmental goals to address the broader social impacts of energy projects—ensuring benefits are shared across stakeholders, from employees and customers to local communities and future generations.</p><p>A recent study funded by the International Energy Agency explored this in Burnaby, Canada, revealing key differences from the European context. While Europe often frames social sustainability around fuel poverty, Canadian stakeholders linked it to health, climate resilience, and urban planning. Interviews with a wide range of stakeholders—from architects to disaster management offices—showed that district heating’s value extends far beyond its core function.</p><p>Social sustainability can be embedded at every stage of the district heating value chain, creating opportunities for innovation and stronger community ties. Social Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) help measure these impacts, with many benefits—such as community education, inclusive urban design, and improved cityscapes—being non-monetary but highly influential.</p><p>Drivers include both external pressures (legislation, procurement requirements, public expectations) and internal motivations (competitiveness, talent attraction, stakeholder trust). Municipalities can lead by setting clear social sustainability criteria and integrating urban and energy planning. District heating companies benefit by aligning with these expectations, building partnerships, and enhancing their business cases—turning social engagement into a competitive advantage.</p><p>The shift towards social sustainability is not about technology—it’s about mindset. Strong relationships, cross-sector collaboration, and deep community integration will define the most successful and future-ready district heating projects.</p>
August 19, 2025
WaterWarmth Podcast Series: No. 2 - "Yes, in my Backyard! - How local energy communities are powering the green heat transition"
<p>"How are local communities reshaping Europe’s heat transition? In this WaterWarmth episode, Danish and Belgian pioneers share how citizen cooperatives and Aqua Thermal Energy projects—from backyard ponds to large-scale platforms—are driving sustainable, locally owned heating solutions."</p><p>Across Europe, citizens are taking energy into their own hands—literally in their own backyards. In this episode of the WaterWarmth podcast, we explore how local energy communities and cooperatives are driving forward Aqua Thermal Energy (ATE) and district heating solutions.</p><p>Our guests:</p><ul><li><strong>Morten Westergaard</strong>, Special Climate and Energy Advisor, Middelfart Municipality (Denmark)</li><li><strong>Joachim Vanwalleghem</strong>, Project Coordinator, Energent (Belgium)</li></ul><p>Together, they share stories of both small “Mickey Mouse” pilots and large “elephant-scale” initiatives, showing how communities are leading the way to decarbonize heat, strengthen resilience, and ensure local ownership of the green transition.</p><p>What you’ll learn in this episode:</p><ul><li>How Middelfart’s pond-powered pilot became a beacon for community-driven heating solutions.</li><li>Why Energent grew from a handful of citizens to one of Europe’s largest energy cooperatives with over 2,500 members.</li><li>The unique value of energy communities: local commitment, democratic governance, and long-term thinking.</li><li>Why district heating—and Aqua Thermal Energy in particular—is always a local story.</li><li>Funding challenges and opportunities: from capital calls to the need for public guarantees.</li><li>Profit vs. purpose—how stability and long-term returns are reshaping the idea of value.</li><li>Practical advice for communities: start small, build networks, and celebrate every victory.</li></ul><p>Whether you’re a policymaker, a city planner, or simply curious about the future of heating, this episode is full of insights on how communities are reshaping Europe’s energy landscape—one backyard at a time.</p><p>🔗 <strong>Listen now and discover why the future of heat is local.</strong></p>
13 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Hot and Cool topics on District Heating and Cooling?
<p><strong>Listen along as various district energy experts from DBDH interview the world's leading specialists on hot and cool topics concerning district heating and cooling today.</strong></p><p>We bring together leading experts, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the key transitions in district energy systems - from technology and infrastructure to policy, business models, and social acceptance.</p><p>Each episode dives deep into one important topic - for example, municipal heat planning, aqua thermal energy, large heat pumps, or hydrogen and PtX in district heating. Along the way, our guests don’t just provide insights - we ask them to share one actionable recommendation you can bring back to your own utility or municipality.</p><p><strong>Why listen?</strong></p><ul><li>Hear how real‐world systems are being transformed, not just theoretically.</li><li>Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities in district energy.</li><li>Access practical insights from seasoned professionals and thought-leaders.</li><li>Stay connected with the international district heating community.</li></ul><p><strong>Who is it for?</strong></p><p>Municipal and regional decision-makers, utility directors, engineers, suppliers, and anyone engaged in the transition of heating systems - especially those working on low-carbon, flexible, and future-proof networks.</p><p><strong>How to participate</strong></p><p>You can listen via all major podcast platforms or right here via the DBDH channel. Subscribe, share with your network, and join the conversation about shaping the future of heat.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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