WaterWarmth Live Event: On the way to sustainable heating!
After more than 3 years of working on aquathermal energy with WaterWarmth, it is time to share what we have achieved with the project and to take a look how we can move on from what we’ve learned. Aquathermal energy is a source with a lot of potential for a transition to sustainable heating, but it is little known. Time to change that! At the same time, we see that many more organisations and projects in the field are working on sustainable heat, heat networks and energy communities. We have therefore decided to organise a joint event together with all these projects and organisations.
For whom
This event is for everyone who is committed to a sustainable and just heat transition. So if you are a policymaker, consultant, project leader, manager, researcher or any other position in the heat transition, you are very welcome!
Where and when
Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:A Room with a ZOO, Carnotstraat 4 Antwerp, Belgium
Carnot Entrance
Your Own Project in the Spotlight
We have space for 10 projects to be showcased in the project market. This is a great opportunity to present your project to the attendees and to network. You are welcome to bring your own promotional materials; we will provide a high table and a project board (84,1 x 118,9 cm). During lunch and the closing reception, there will be a perfect opportunity for attendees to walk past and learn more about the projects.
Programm:
09.30 - 10.15 Registration
10.15 - 10.25 Opening
10.25 - 10.45 Keynote
10.45 - 11.15 Panel discussion
11.45 - 12.30 Working sessions round 1
12.30 - 13.15 Lunch
13.15 - 13.45 Panel discussion
13.55 - 14.40 Working sessions round 2
14.40 - 15.05 Coffee break
15.05 - 15.50 Working sessions round 3
16.00 - 16.15 Closing panel
16.15 - 17.00 Drinks
WaterWarmth Live Event
Programme and timetable event
Project showroom
When: During breaks throughout the day
Location: Near the catering
The Project Showroom is a lively exhibition space where 10–15 inspiring projects present their work. Visit the stands during the breaks to discover innovative ideas, exchange experiences, and connect with project teams. From the walk-in coffee to the networking drinks, this is the place to explore solutions, meet peers, and spark new collaborations.
Walk in with coffee
9.30 – 10.15
Start the day in a relaxed way. Drop in, register, grab a coffee, and meet fellow participants. Whether you reconnect with familiar faces or make new contacts, this informal moment helps everyone settle in and start the day with great conversations.
Day opener
10.15 – 10.25
Speaker/moderator: Barry Ness, director at LUCSUS Lund University
Our moderator Barry Ness will officially open the WaterWarmth Live Event and welcome everyone to the day. He will introduce the programme, highlight the key themes, and set the stage for inspiring discussions and knowledge exchange throughout the event.
Keynote: Energy communities in the heat transition
10.25 – 10.45
Speaker: Achille Hannoset, policy and legal officer at EU DG Energy
Discover how energy communities are shaping the future of sustainable heating in Europe. In this keynote, you’ll learn how European policy supports local initiatives and empowers communities to produce, share, and use heat more sustainably.
Panel session: Aquathermal energy as Europe’s source for heating and cooling
10.45 – 11.15
Experts from across Europe discuss the growing role of aquathermal energy in the heat transition. Join this conversation on collaboration, innovation, and the opportunities for scaling up sustainable energy solutions across borders.
Coffee break
11.15 – 11.45
Take a well-earned break, enjoy a coffee, and visit the project stands. It’s the perfect time to continue conversations, meet new people, and prepare for the first round of breakout sessions.
Parallel breakout sessions: round 1
11.45 – 12.30
Session 1: Lessons learned from piloting with aquathermal energy
Explore real-life pilot projects from the WaterWarmth programme. Learn about the successes, challenges, and practical lessons from testing aquathermal solutions in different environments.
Session 2: Financing district heating
Discover how innovative financing models can support sustainable district heating systems. This session shares early insights and experiences from the RODEO project to help cities turn ideas into real investments.
Session 3: Germany’s aquathermal energy potential
Gain insights from cutting-edge research in Germany. This session presents new findings on waterbody modelling, technology development, and regulatory aspects of aquathermal energy.
Session 4: Model of predictive control for energy systems explained
Learn how predictive control models can optimise heating systems. Through interactive simulations, participants will see how different strategies influence system performance and costs.
Session 5: Water Authorities in transition
Explore how water authorities are turning aquathermal energy into practical solutions for heating and cooling. Learn from real projects and collaborations driving the heat transition forward.
Networking lunch
12.30 – 13.15
Enjoy a relaxed lunch while connecting with other participants. Share insights from the morning sessions, meet new colleagues, and explore opportunities for collaboration in an informal and friendly setting.
Panel Session 2 – The Impact of the Energy Transition on Communities
13.15 – 13.45
The energy transition affects more than technology—it impacts people and communities. This panel explores how local communities can actively shape a fair and inclusive energy future.
Short break
13.45 – 13.55
Take a short break, grab a coffee, and head to the next breakout session of your choice.
Parallel breakout sessions: round 2
13.55 – 14.40
Session 1: Serious district heating game
Experience district heating through an interactive game. Work together to design a heating network, overcome challenges, and discover how technical and economic decisions shape real projects.
Session 2: Discovering the potential of aquathermal energy
Learn how to assess whether aquathermal energy is suitable for your building, neighbourhood, or city. Discover tools and methods that help evaluate feasibility and impact.
Session 3: Upscaling district heating from local action to European strategy
Explore how Danish expertise and Dutch ambitions come together to advance district heating solutions. This workshop shares practical lessons from cross-border collaboration.
Session 4: Planning Heat-Sharing Energy Communities
Discover the first steps in building heat-sharing energy communities. Learn how to analyse buildings, identify heat sources, and use new tools to design effective heat networks.
Session 5: Engaging stakeholders in the heat transition
Discover effective ways to involve stakeholders in planning and implementing sustainable heating solutions.
Coffee break
14.40 – 15.05
Recharge with coffee and connect with other participants before the final round of breakout sessions.
Parallel breakout sessions: round 3
15.05 – 15.50
Session 1: Closed loop aquathermal energy
Discover real examples of closed-loop aquathermal systems and learn how this technology can support sustainable heating solutions.
Session 2: Visioning aquathermal energy for future Europe
Explore future pathways for aquathermal energy in the North Sea Region and discuss strategies for scaling up adoption across Europe.
Session 3: Data driven heat planning
See how data and digital tools can support municipalities in planning effective heat solutions and identifying opportunities for sustainable energy systems.
Session 4: Upscaling district heating from local action to European strategy
Learn how international collaboration and practical experiences can accelerate the development of affordable district heating systems.
Session 5: Serious district heating game
Experience district heating through an interactive game. Work together to design a heating network, overcome challenges, and discover how technical and economic decisions shape real projects.
Short break
15.50 – 16.00
Take a final short break before we gather for the event wrap-up.
Closing panel: takeaways for tomorrow
16.00 – 16.15
Join the closing discussion where speakers reflect on the key insights of the day. Together we will highlight lessons learned, answer questions, and look ahead to future collaboration.
Networking drinks
16.15 – 17.00
End the day with networking drinks. Relax, continue the conversations, and connect with fellow participants while reflecting on the ideas and inspiration from the event.