The heat transition is in full swing. But to really move forward, trust is needed. Trust in innovation, in cooperation, and in the power of our community. During Confidence , pioneers, experts, and policymakers will come together in Sneek to make the future of sustainable energy tangible. The conference also marks the launch of Wetterwaarmte. Wetterwaarmte offers Fryslân a warmer and sustainable future with aquathermal energy.
This is Confidence
During Confidence , participants worked together on current issues in the heat transition. In five interactive workshops, knowledge and practical experiences were shared, ranging from technical innovations to administrative challenges. With experts from home and abroad, and plenty of opportunity to learn from each other.
Why a municipal heating company is a smart choice
By: Jens Andersen, Hanne Kortegaard, and Sacha de Haan
Should municipalities establish their own heating companies or rely on cooperative or commercial parties? Jens, Hanne, and Sacha demonstrate the advantages of public ownership and the lessons we can learn from existing examples.
Discussion question: What is preventing your municipality from setting up its own heating company?
Sønder Felding's Formula for Success: Technology, Financing & Entrepreneurship
By: Bernard Stornebrink, Rune Tonell, and Caspar Boendermaker
What makes the Danish model for district heating networks so successful? This workshop delves into the Sønder Felding case study and shows how technology, financing, and entrepreneurship come together to build strong district heating networks.
Discussion question: How would you design the ideal heating network for your municipality or region?
Building trust: Lessons from Denmark, Súdwest-Fryslân & VNG
By: Marie-Louise Lemgart, Cilou Bertin, and Joke Yedema
How do you ensure sufficient support and trust within a municipality when developing a heat network? This session shares insights and practical experiences from Denmark, VNG, and Súdwest-Fryslân.
Discussion question: What challenges do you see within your community in terms of trust and cooperation?
Mapping out the future: a master plan for heat networks
By: Andries Metz, Johan Sølvhøj, Susana Paardekoper, and Duco Hartlief
Let's get started with a concrete example! Participants analyze the heat demand of a municipality and use PETA 5.2 to design a strategic master plan for an integrated heat network. The new Heat Map of Friesland will also be presented during this session.
Discussion question: How would you design a master plan based on heat demand and available data?
Step by step towards a city-wide heat network (max. 30 participants)
By: Michiel de Wit and Morten Jordt Duedahl
How do you build a district heating network in phases? In this interactive workshop, participants represent a city district and work together to develop the ideal growth path toward a comprehensive district heating network.
Experts
Janette Webb
Professor of Sociology of Organizations, University of Edinburgh
Janette Webb is a leading researcher in the field of energy and cities in Europe, focusing on policy and practice for sustainable and low-carbon heating solutions. Her work is supported by UK Research and Innovation, the Scottish Government, and Energy Systems Catapult. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and received an MBE in 2020 for her contributions to the UK energy transition. Janette has advised the UK and Scottish governments on energy policy and led major research projects on sustainable energy systems. Her expertise spans academic, policy, and business domains, with a longstanding involvement in energy efficiency.
Henrik Dalsgaard
VP Market - District Energy, COWI
Black and white portrait of a smiling man in a suit jacket, indoors.
Henrik Dalsgaard is Vice President Market - District Energy at COWI, a leading consulting firm in the fields of engineering, environment, and economics. In his role at COWI, Henrik is responsible for the market development of district energy solutions. His expertise lies in promoting sustainable energy solutions and improving urban energy infrastructures. Henrik's leadership and vision contribute to growth and innovation within the sustainable energy sector.
The Confidence
Municipalities play a key role in the transition from natural gas to sustainable heat. Confidence them in this process. In collaboration with Dutch and Danish experts, we are translating the successful Danish model for heat networks into Dutch practice. In this way, we connect knowledge, policy, and implementation—and together we are accelerating the heat transition.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have questions about Confidence? Please contact us atconfidence.