13^th International DHC+ Summer School

The 13th DHC+ Summer School will take place between 17-23 August 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and will focus on "The role of the demand side in the transition towards low-temperature district heating systems". The planned decarbonisation of the energy system necessitates a revolution across all energy sectors and a shift towards smart energy systems, markets, and social restructuring. A high integration of geothermal, solar, and wind energy, either directly at DHC production units or indirectly through the electricity grid via large-scale heat pumps (HPs), may result in fluctuating heat production. This variability presents additional challenges in DHC system operation and planning, increasing the need for long- and short-term energy storage and flexibility and thus interoperability between the existing and new components and functionalities located at the production and demand sides. At the same time, every building connected to the DHC network can be seen as a decentralised thermal energy storage (TES) solution with characteristics fluctuating according to the heat demand profile of the building. However, integrating solutions for flexibility activation and control into existing DHC systems and building heating installations while ensuring customer satisfaction, economic viability, interoperability and regulatory compliance is a complex task that requires collaboration among various stakeholders with sometimes conflicting goals.

Thanks to our hosts – Aalborg University and the Technical University of Denmark – this year's Summer School offers a rich learning opportunity grounded in Denmark's long-standing expertise in district energy. Combining lectures, site visits, and networking activities, the programme aims to provide participants with both practical insights and a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Get ready to be inspired and connect with peers in this enriching learning experience! Explore previous DHC+ Summer School editions​ to discover how this programme provides students and young professionals with opportunities to engage and learn from experienced speakers, fostering in-depth knowledge about the district heating and cooling sector.

Our mission is to provide a unique learning experience in the realm of district energy. Stay updated and connect with fellow participants by following #DHCSummerSchool25 for news and developments!