The International District Energy Association (IDEA), founded in 1909 and representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, will convene district energy leaders from around the world in Ottawa, Canada, June 23-26, 2026, for its 117th Annual Conference & Trade Show. Under the theme “Connecting Networks,” IDEA2026 will advance decarbonization, system integration, energy resilience, and thermal network innovation across four days of programming, tours, and events.
“Ottawa is at the forefront of district energy innovation—from the Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP) to net-zero thermal networks to electrification, it’s the perfect backdrop for this global gathering,” said Rob Thornton, president & CEO of IDEA. “IDEA2026 is where the sector’s most experienced engineers, operators, investors, and policymakers come together to advance progress. The momentum is real, and this year’s theme, Connecting Networks, captures exactly what district energy does and why it matters—aggregating demand, integrating diverse energy sources, and innovating to decarbonize communities at scale.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
IDEA2026 features more than 150 speakers across a comprehensive program spanning district heating and cooling, thermal energy storage, geothermal and geo-exchange, smart cities, microgrids, and more.
Program highlights include:
- Workshops. Two pre-conference workshops will address the industry’s most urgent growth opportunities: District Energy & Data Centers, and Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) Market Development.
- Plenary Sessions. Two plenary panels will convene senior leaders from across the district energy ecosystem. The North American industry panel brings together Tom Burton (ESAP), Carlyle Coutinho (Enwave), Mike Crawley (Creative Energy), Jacob Graff (Cordia Energy), Kevin Hagerty (Vicinity Energy), Eric T. Miller (CenTrio), and Lisa Sparrow (Corix) for a high-level conversation on market trends, decarbonization, and the future of integrated energy networks. An international plenary will feature voices from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and leading intergovernmental organizations, including Ahmad Bin Shafar (Empower Energy Solutions, UAE), Sam Chatterton (Johnson Controls, Inc.), Dr. Andrej Jentsch (IEA District Heating & Cooling TCP), Conall Mahon (SEAI, Ireland), Cristina Mariaca (UNIDO), Meghan Riesterer (IDEA), Tomasz Smetny-Sowa (ESAP/PSPC), and David Woodson (University of Washington).
- Global MOU Ceremony. IDEA2026 will host a landmark international Memorandum of Understanding ceremony, bringing together delegations from more than 20 countries to formalize cross-border cooperation in district energy development and deployment.
- Annual Awards. IDEA will recognize outstanding industry contributions through its annual awards program, including the Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award, the Norm Taylor Award —honoring exceptional leadership and lifetime achievement in district energy – and the System of the Year Award, among other honors.
- Technical Tours. Two guided technical tours showcasing world-class district energy infrastructure in the Ottawa–Gatineau region: the Cliff Energy Centre and Tunney’s Pasture Plant, or the Gatineau Plant and the Zibi Community Utility System.
“We’re excited to bring IDEA2026 to Ottawa, a city where innovative district energy projects are demonstrating what’s possible at scale,” said David Woodson, IDEA Board Chair and Executive Director, Campus Energy, Utilities and Operations, University of Washington. “Year after year, this conference serves as a global hub for experts to share best practices, spotlight emerging technologies, and advance the solutions that will define the next era of district energy.”
IDEA is grateful for its Diamond Sponsors: Cordia, Empower Energy Solutions, and Johnson Controls, and thanks our Platinum Sponsors: CenTrio, Corix, Enwave Energy Corporation, and Vicinity Energy, for their generous support. A complete list of IDEA2026 sponsors is available at: https://idea2026.eventscribe.net/sponsors.asp?pfp=Sponsors
The full program is available at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/home. Register at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/registration.
About IDEA
The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909 and based in Massachusetts, USA. Representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, IDEA champions district heating, district cooling, thermal networks, and combined heat and power (CHP) as reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Its mission is to foster the success of its members as global leaders in advancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilient, sustainable communities.
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