program
bonanza
confidence
The Dutch heat transition calls for action. Confidence brings municipalities, heating companies, and European experts together to share knowledge, accelerate cooperation, and actually make the transition from plan to implementation. Two days of inspiration, practical knowledge, and concrete tools from the frontrunners who are shaping the heat transition.
For policymakers, project developers, municipalities, housing associations, and heating companies: at confidence, you will find the knowledge, people, and insights that will help you move forward.
Program
Tuesday, November 3
10:00 Welcome
10:25 Keynotes | Magdalena Sprengel & Rachel Marty
11:10 Break
11:25 District Heating Freestyle | What Makes for Good District Heating?
12:20 Deep Dives Introduction
12:30 Lunch
1:15 p.m. Deep Dives, Round 1
2:15 p.m. Deep Dives, Round 2
15:30 Break
16:00 Panel Discussion | Who Owns the Heat?
16:30 Networking Session | Meet a Stakeholder
17:20 Exhibition and reception
19:30 "Confidence" dinner @ Post Plaza
Wednesday, November 4
6:45 (optional) District Heating morning run (Please note: the morning run has been canceled)
9:00 Breakfast | Find a solution for your district heating challenge
10:00 Keynote | Andries Metz & Michiel de Wit
10:20 Case presentation | Groningen
10:50 Catwalk | Pitch Your District Heating Solution
12:00 Lunch & Business Expo
1:00 p.m. Technical sessions | 3 on various topics
14:30 p.m. Break & corporate expo
3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion | Let’s Start the Wave (Will You Take the Open Seat?)
3:45 p.m. Thank you, and see you next year!
Keynote speakers
Translating the Confidence approach to Germany
Magdalena Sprengel - Head of International Cooperation at NRW.Energy4Climate
1
-
Magdalena promotes cross-border collaboration to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. Drawing on her experience in international energy projects, she bridges the gap between policy, industry, and practice in the areas of clean heating and district energy systems.
Confidence Bonanza: Accelerating Heating Networks in the Netherlands
Michiel de Wit, Process Manager for District Heating at the Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân
Andries Metz, Project Manager for Weather-Dependent Heating and District Heating at the Province of Fryslân
2
-
The development of district heating networks in the Netherlands requires more than just technology and investment. Municipalities, government agencies, research institutions, and other partners face similar challenges related to governance, financing, public participation, and implementation. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, these challenges can be addressed more quickly.
The District Heating Paradox: Why the Value of District Heating Networks Extends Beyond Just Heat
Rachel Marty - Sector Lead for the Built Environment at Liander
3
-
District heating networks are typically discussed as a means of making heat supply more sustainable. But what if their greatest value actually has little to do with heat?
In this keynote, Rachel Marty challenges conventional thinking about district heating networks. She explores their role in addressing some of the biggest challenges of the energy transition—from grid congestion and housing development to energy security and system efficiency. By looking beyond individual technologies and sector boundaries, she demonstrates that the true value of heat networks may lie in their ability to connect diverse issues into a stronger and more resilient energy system.
Danish companies
HortenDahl is a leading Danish law firm with over 70 years of experience, specializing in sectors with strong regulation or technological innovation. With expertise in energy law and green innovation, the firm provides legal support to companies that actively contribute to the energy transition.
Kamstrup develops intelligent metering and data solutions for energy and water. Their smart meters and data platforms enable energy companies to manage networks more efficiently and accelerate sustainability.
Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions) supplies large-scale heat pumps, hydrogen electrolysers, and CO₂ capture systems, as well as marine engines. With their vision of “Moving big things to zero,” they are a key player in the industrial energy transition.
COWI is a leading Danish engineering and consulting firm with global expertise in infrastructure, energy, and the environment. They manage complex energy projects from concept to completion and play a major role in making heating infrastructure more sustainable.
PlanEnergi was founded in 1983 as an independent consulting firm with the primary goal of promoting resource-saving and environmentally friendly systems. With decades of experience in district heating, solar energy, and thermal storage, they are one of Denmark’s most renowned energy consultants.
Arkikon is a design firm with architects and engineers specializing in technically oriented buildings such as processing plants, heating plants, and substations. They have completed more than 100 projects for the district heating industry.
Center Denmark is an independent, nonprofit organization and national hub for data in the energy and utilities sector. It provides digital infrastructure that enables the secure and efficient collection and sharing of data across electricity, water, heating, and buildings. We translate data into insights and new solutions that make the energy system more flexible, efficient, and sustainable.
IngeniørHuse specializes in green energy solutions, with a focus on the district heating of the future: efficient, combustion-free, and sustainable. From heating to cooling and Power-to-X, they provide expertise and management for complex energy projects.
Kingspan LOGSTOR is one of the global market leaders in pre-insulated piping systems for district heating and cooling. Their piping systems form the physical backbone of district heating and cooling networks and are designed for maximum energy efficiency and a long service life.
Danfoss is a Danish technology company and a global leader in climate and energy solutions, with a strong focus on heat pumps, cooling, and control technology for district heating. Their components can be found in virtually every modern district heating network.
Clean Heat Partners provides independent engineering services for industrial heat pumps, waste heat recovery, and thermal systems for district heating and cooling. They support projects from initial concept through commissioning to long-term operation.
Pernexus has developed Worksportal, a digital solution that boosts the efficiency of energy companies and streamlines collaboration on large-scale excavation projects. The cloud-based platform connects all parties involved in the construction and maintenance of district heating networks in real time.
NIRAS is a Danish consulting and engineering firm. Energy is one of the company’s areas of expertise. Within the energy sector, NIRAS is one of the leading names in Danish district heating and cooling networks. They have experience with large heat pumps, the utilization of industrial waste heat, and large-scale thermal energy storage in combination with solar thermal energy.
Deep Dives and Tech Sessions
During the deep dives and tech sessions, experts and participants work together to explore a specific theme or issue in depth. In a small, interactive setting, knowledge is shared, exchanged, and translated into concrete insights and opportunities.
CHILL: Slow is the fastest way to get pipes in the ground
1
Morten Jordt Duedahl and Michiel de Wit
-
How can you achieve 100% sustainable heating without waiting for the perfect solution? Morten presents CHILL: a pragmatic approach that combines concrete steps with a long-term vision. He shows how you can reduce emissions now while working towards fully renewable heating. Inspiring for anyone who wants to accelerate the heating transition in practice.
Generations of district heating: What are they and how many are there?
2
Jan Eric Thorsen, Thomas Bejerholm, and Andries Metz
-
In this session, Odgeir, Andries, and Thomas will walk you through the key differences between 4th and 5th generation heat networks. They’ll explain why 4th generation systems remain the backbone of the heat transition and when 5th generation concepts truly offer added value. A must-attend for planners, policymakers, and network operators.
Thorough planning and communication
Sacha de Haan, Marie-Louise Lemgart, and Alexander Schou
3
-
Denmark has been planning its heat supply since the late 1970s. The Netherlands is just beginning this journey, with its heat program and the Collective Heating Act.
A Danish consultant and a Danish municipal heat planner will explain how heat planning works in Denmark and what decades of experience have taught them. A Dutch heat planner will then use real-world examples to show how Dutch municipalities are now applying those lessons: what steps we are taking to develop a comprehensive heat plan.
Financing a District Heating Project: The Best Approach
4
Hanne Kortegaard Støchkel, Caspar Boendermaker, Renée van Naerssen, and Bernard Stornebrink
-
In Denmark, the approval and financing of projects have followed a standardized process for decades, and financing is not considered an obstacle to the development of district heating. In the Netherlands, the search for the best approach to financing district heating is still ongoing. We compare Denmark with the Netherlands and discuss how risks can be addressed and financing barriers in the Netherlands can be reduced.
Tech Session: On the Effects of 4 m² of Storage Space per Household
5
Christian Bjerrum and Michael Lassen Schmidt
-
It may sound like a lot, but in Denmark they calculate 4 m³ per household for above-ground storage tanks. This Danish rule of thumb illustrates just how much storage is actually needed, whereas these storage tanks are far from always factored in in the Netherlands. Yet, they may well be the most important component of a reliable, sustainable, and flexible heating network. Christian and Michael will explain the importance of these large storage tanks and show you the impact they have.
Tech Session: Why So Many Heat Sources?
6
Morten Stobbe and Jens Andersen
-
Morten Stobbe and Jens Andersen explain the importance of using multiple heat sources. They show how a combination of sources can lower operating costs (OPEX) by intelligently adjusting production. Heat pumps, electric boilers, gas boilers, and a storage tank: each requires its own specific approach to perform at its best. The initial investment is higher, but you’ll recoup that cost thanks to the flexibility you gain.
Tech Session: Low-Temperature District Heating—How and Why?
7
Jan Eric Thorsen and Peter Jorsal
-
Jan Eric Thorsen and Peter Jorsal explain “low-temperature district heating” and the associated technologies. Optimizing temperature levels is an essential part of designing an efficient district heating network; the speakers will help you understand the considerations involved. The goal is to create affordable and energy-efficient systems. Because district heating is a long-term infrastructure investment, it makes sense to consider the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial investment costs.
Tech Session: Details Regarding a Project's Financial Structure
8
Bernard Stornebrink and Peter Borghstijn
-
…
Tech Session: Procurement and Optimization of Heat Pumps
9
Ebbe Nørgaard and Jorrit Wronski
-
No matter what heat sources you have in mind, one thing is certain: the industrial heat pump is the workhorse of the heat transition. That’s why it’s important to know which heat pumps you want and how to bring them to market. And perhaps most importantly: how do you get the most out of your heat pump once it’s up and running? Ebbe Nørgaard and Jorrit Wronski will tell you all about it.
Tech Session: Procurement 101
10
Thomas Enevold, Mette Leiholt, and Susana Paardekooper
-
How do you put the construction of the district heating network, the heating plant, and the in-building connections out to bid? When should you opt for a functional bid and when for a detailed one, which gives you more control? Thomas Enevold and Susana Paardekoper show you how to approach this. Because smart bidding helps you save costs and get the district heating network you envision.
About the Speakers
Project Development Manager, Danish Board of District Heating
-
Hanne has extensive experience in energy infrastructure integration, sector coupling, and strategic planning for sustainable district heating. Throughout her career, she has worked on international projects, regulatory issues, and innovation initiatives focused on the deployment of efficient and integrated heating networks.
Project Manager at PlanEnergi
-
Susana leads international collaboration on heating strategies and strategic heating planning. Her expertise lies in developing national and local heating visions that are truly feasible.
Project Manager for Wetterwaarmte and District Heating, Province of Friesland
-
Andries assists municipalities in developing and implementing heating strategies and promotes innovation and collaboration in the region.
Energy Transition Advisor, Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân
-
Sacha specializes in municipal heating planning, policy development, and collaborative project management. He connects municipalities, stakeholders, and knowledge partners to accelerate the transition to sustainable district heating.
Director of Energy Supply, Næstved District Heating
-
Jens has more than 15 years of experience in leading and developing district heating companies, most recently as CEO of Næstved Fjernvarme. He combines operational knowledge with strategic expertise in ESG, energy procurement, and governance. A seasoned executive who knows district heating inside and out, from the boardroom to the boiler room.
Business Development Manager, Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH)
-
Morten supports governments, cities, and heating companies across Western Europe and brings more than twenty years of experience in the development of district heating systems. At Confidence, he shares his pragmatic vision for the path to 100% renewable heat.
Project Finance Manager, NWB Bank
-
Peter brings extensive expertise in public and project financing for energy, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and infrastructure. He has extensive practical experience with financing structures for solar, wind, hydrothermal, and geothermal energy, and is skilled at translating complex financing structures into practical solutions for the energy transition.
Business Development & Sustainability Specialist, BNG Bank
-
Caspar focuses on the financing and structuring of renewable energy projects and helps secure capital for public heating infrastructure.
Director, Danfoss
-
Jan Eric is a director at Danfoss, a global leader in energy-efficient technology. With his experience in sustainable energy systems and district heating innovation, he combines technical expertise with strategic insight, focusing on smarter and cleaner district heating.
Process Manager, Heating Utility, Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân
-
Michiel works on innovation within the Dutch heating sector and on the implementation of sustainable and socially equitable district heating solutions. In his role, he strengthens municipal heating planning and promotes collaboration at the local, national, and international levels.
Senior Energy Finance Specialist, Enber
-
Bernard develops sustainable energy strategies and business cases for local energy and heating transition projects. With his expertise in economic modeling and financing structures, he helps make energy transitions both feasible and meaningful.
Energy Finance Consultant, Enber
-
Maarten specializes in the development and financing of district heating and sustainable energy infrastructure. He combines analytical insight with strategic thinking to structure projects that are both economically viable and future-proof.
Technical Director, COWI
-
Thomas works at COWI on the design and construction of district heating networks in Denmark. He has a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of a district heating project and knows how to translate them into a plan that works in practice.
Vice President of Market District Energy at COWI
-
Henrik is Vice President of Market District Energy at COWI. He has many years of experience in district heating and industrial energy efficiency, including the utilization of waste heat from the industry. He helps cities and heating companies move from an initial plan to a well-founded project.
CEO at Arkikon
-
Thomas is an architect and has been designing buildings for the energy and heating sector for 25 years, ranging from heating plants to pumping stations. He believes that architecture should be involved from the very first phase of a project. That way, a heating plant can blend into the landscape and its surroundings without making the project significantly more expensive.
Chief Energy & Climate Officer at Høje-Taastrup Municipality
-
Marie-Louise is the head of energy and climate for the Danish municipality of Høje-Taastrup. She has been working for years on the municipality’s climate policy and on collaboration with the local heating utility. She knows how a municipality can integrate heat planning, district heating, and climate goals in an effective manner.
Project Director at NIRAS
-
Michael is a project director at NIRAS. He works on data-driven optimization of district heating networks and advises on agreements between industry and heating companies regarding the supply of residual heat. He also has experience with thermal networks; small-scale collective heating systems based on geothermal energy.
CEO at Ingenørhuse
-
Morten is the director of international operations at Ingeniør Huse, a Danish engineering firm that specializes in efficient, non-combustion district heating. He is on the board of DBDH and writes for the international trade journal Hot Cool. In his session, he will explain why a district heating network becomes more robust with multiple heat sources.
Product & Academy Manager at Kingspan LOGSTOR
-
Peter works in product development and knowledge transfer, among others about flexible plastic pipes for low-temperature networks. He understands how the choice of pipe affects the total cost of a network over its entire lifespan.
Project Manager at PlanEnergi
-
…
Senior Specialist at Center Denmark
-
Christian Udby previously led projects focused on the green transition in the district heating sector in his role as CEO of a major district heating company. Today, as a Senior Specialist at Center Denmark, he is paving the way for new markets, products, and partnerships.
Alexander Schou
Project Manager at COWI
-
…
Kristian Fredslund
Lead Consultant at Clean Heat Partners
-
Kristian has 20 years of experience in the field of refrigeration technology and heat pumps. He has a background as a technical consultant and has also worked for system integrators and component manufacturers.
COO at Pernexus Systems
-
Mette is an executive and management consultant who provides advice while respecting her clients’ core business activities and their willingness to embrace change. She currently serves as head of the secretariat at Pernexus, a Danish IT and consulting firm. Mette has advised several large companies on digital transformation and the role of leadership in that process.
here you
Order
tickets
Date: November 2, 3, and 4, 2026
Location: NHL Stenden, Leeuwarden
Practical information
-
We encourage you to travel by public transport. NHL Stenden is easily accessible by bus; the bus stop is right outside the door.
Traveling by bike? There are plenty of bike parking spaces available.
Traveling by car? You can park in one of the three parking lots around NHL Stenden. The cost is €3.50 per day.
-
Do you have any specific dietary requirements? Simply let us know when ordering your ticket. We will make sure everything is taken care of.
-
Would you like to stay overnight? We recommend these hotels:
Notiz Hotel – NHL Stenden's own hotel. Ideally located. Notiz also has a special packagepackage for Confidence visitors.
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Caféafé – Atmosphereand centrally located. Dinner will also be held here on Tuesday evening. It is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel to NHL Stenden.
-
Cancellation is only possible in writing or through the cancellation function on the registration page. The full terms and conditions regarding cancellation can be found in the terms and conditions.
-
Do you have any additional questions? We are happy to help you via info@confidence.frl