Conference Schedule Overview
The 2018 Global District Energy Days spanned three days, combining technical site visits, a full two-day conference, and an industry exhibition — all hosted at the Scandic Grand Marina in Helsinki.
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| Tuesday25 September 2018 | Technical / Site Visits Welcome Reception |
| Wednesday26 September 2018 | Conference & Exhibition |
| Thursday27 September 2018 | Conference & Exhibition |
Day-by-Day Highlights
Tuesday 25 September — Technical Visits & Welcome Reception
The event opened with guided technical and site visits to district energy facilities in the Helsinki region, offering attendees a first-hand look at local infrastructure and innovation. The day concluded with an evening Welcome Reception, providing an informal setting for networking.
Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 September — Conference & Exhibition
The main conference programme ran across two full days, featuring sessions on resource assessment, innovative technology, market developments, and policy. Running alongside the conference, the exhibition hall showcased leading suppliers, solutions, and services in the district heating and cooling sector.
Venue: Scandic Grand Marina, Katajanokanlaituri 7, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Organisers: Euroheat & Power aisbl and Finnish Energy, with local organisation by Adato Energia Oy.
The three-day gathering in Helsinki brought together professionals from across the district heating and cooling sector, offering a full programme that balanced technical insight with meaningful networking. The opening day featured guided visits to working district energy facilities, giving participants a firsthand look at how modern systems operate in a real urban environment. These site tours set the tone for the days ahead, grounding the conference discussions in practical, on-the-ground examples. The welcome reception that followed provided an informal setting for attendees to connect before the main conference sessions began, encouraging early exchanges of ideas among colleagues from different countries and companies.
The conference and exhibition occupied the following two days, with a programme designed to reflect the major themes shaping the future of district energy across Europe. Sessions addressed technological innovation, market and policy developments, and the commercial opportunities emerging in the sector. Presenters and panellists explored how district heating and cooling can evolve to meet tomorrow's demands, from resource assessment to innovative design approaches. The adjacent exhibition space allowed suppliers, utilities, and service providers to showcase their latest offerings, giving delegates the chance to engage directly with the products and solutions driving the industry forward.
Beyond the formal sessions, the event placed strong emphasis on conversation and collaboration, with dedicated moments built into the schedule for delegates to discuss the steps needed to shape the district heating and cooling systems of the future. The atmosphere throughout was described as lively and forward-looking, with participants encouraged to take an active role in the dialogue. For those working across the sector, the congress served as a valuable opportunity to mark their calendars, exchange perspectives, and leave with fresh ideas and new connections. The carefully planned programme, set against the backdrop of Helsinki's waterfront venue, made for a memorable and productive gathering.