Skyline von Kopenhagen mit Windkraftanlagen im Hintergrund.

German-Danish District Heating Forum

A German-Danish dialogue concept to promote innovative approaches in the field of renewable heating

Goal: to intensify German-Danish cooperation on the decarbonisation and transformation of district heating

Topics: Energy efficiency, Renewable energies, Overall system, Business models, Legal framework, International partnership, Municipal governments, Heating transition, Generating and distributing energy

Runtime: since 2024

Gruppe von Personen in Businesskleidung vor einer großen Präsentationswand mit dem Text 'GERMAN-DANISH DISTRICT HEATING FORUM How can we finance the decarbonisation of district heating systems?' und Logos von 'dena' und 'ENERGIEWENDE KONGRESS'.

Our mission

The expansion and decarbonisation of heating networks in Denmark is already progressing successfully. Germany and Denmark want to strengthen their cooperation and exploit multiple synergies in the heating sector to ensure a future-proof energy supply. For example, dena and the Danish Energy Agency are continuously expanding their cooperation. The long-term goal is to create a joint platform. This is intended to facilitate a regular exchange of knowledge and networking among relevant stakeholders.

Podiumsdiskussion mit vier Personen auf einer Bühne vor Publikum und zwei großen Bannern mit dem Schriftzug "sicher vorangehen"

Our approach

The German-Danish District Heating Forum focuses on the structured exchange of experience and expertise between Denmark and Germany. To this end, relevant policymakers and the various sector-specific networks and players in both countries are being brought together. Stakeholder dialogues and expert panels discuss the challenges and potential of decarbonising district heating. Possible recommendations for action and strategies are also being developed. The project is being implemented jointly by dena, the Danish Energy Agency and the Danish Embassy in Berlin.

Our milestones

Oberirdische Wärmerohre vor einer Herbstlandschaft

4th of November 2025: Second edition of the forum at the dena Energy Transition Congress in Berlin on the topic of "Boosting resilience and efficiency in heating networks", followed by a tour of the BEW cooling centre at Potsdamer Platz and an evening event at the Danish Embassy
2025: Support for the Danish Energy Agency in developing the District Heating Assessment Tool (DHAT) for conducting comprehensive feasibility assessments of district heating networks. Publications available under "District Heating" at https://ens.dk/en/global-cooperation/tools-and-publications
1st of September 2025: Publication of an article on "Third-Party Access to District Heating Networks" in the trade magazine Hot|Cool of the International Danish District Heating Association (DBDH)
12th of November 2024: Kick-off event at the dena Energy Transition Congress in Berlin on the topic of "How can we finance the decarbonisation of district heating systems?"
October 2023: dena and the Danish Energy Agency, together with European experts, discussed the decarbonisation and regulation of district heating in Germany, Denmark and the European Union

Our project partners

Let us know if we can help!

Dr. Tim Mennel
Leading Expert, Market Design
Shervin Balali
Expert, Renewable energies