Informing. Connecting. Advancing.
Since 1909
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Welcome to this week’s issue of This Week in District Energy!
We're resending this week's issue with a very special announcement - registration for IDEA2026 is now open. IDEA is heading to Ottawa from June 23-26 with a fantastic program in store for you - please make plans to join us for the must-attend event.
While the Academy Awards took center stage this weekend, at IDEA we have our own awards worthy of celebrating, including the IDEA System of the Year District Energy Space, John Gray Scholarship, and Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award. Read on to learn more about each award and how you can apply. And maybe this year, we'll announce that the winner is...you!
Don't forget to register for our free I&I webinar, Pioneering Campus Decarbonization: Advancing Hybrid Steam–Electric Innovation at the University of Windsor, taking place next Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00pm EST with Johnson Controls. Reserve your seat for this important conversation!
The latest issue of our LinkedIn newsletter, The Power of an IDEA, is now online. The Power of an IDEA is a monthly snapshot of the people, projects, and partnerships reshaping urban and campus district energy systems. Enjoy!
| | IDEA2026: Registration Now Open! | | |
As mentioned, registration for IDEA2026 is now open. We are excited to be heading to the The Rogers Centre Ottawa Convention Center in downtown Ottawa, Ontario Canada, June 23-26 for our 117th Annual Conference. IDEA has contracted for hotel rooms at the Westin Ottawa and Fairmont Chateau Laurier, please make sure you book your stay soon before rooms fill up.
We’re putting the finishing touches on a dynamic and diverse program showcasing the many successful district energy projects taking place across North America and around the world. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn from industry experts, explore the latest technologies, and celebrate the continued growth of our industry with colleagues from across the globe.
Most importantly, we’ll be shining a spotlight on why district energy matters to the future of our communities and our world.
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The IDEA2026 educational program will deliver a wide-ranging program that spans the most relevant topics in district energy today, led by industry leaders who are shaping its future.
No theoreticals here - you'll learn from speakers with real-world experience, featuring case studies and honest assessments of challenges and successes that will give you actionable insights you can put to work right away.
If you're interested in the exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities available at IDEA2026, you should act quickly to ensure space is available. Please contact Tanya Kozel to secure your spot.
| | Advancing Hybrid Steam-Electric Innovation
at the University of Windsor | Don't miss our next Insights & Innovations webinar, coming to your screen Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00pm EST, Pioneering Campus Decarbonization: Advancing Hybrid Steam–Electric Innovation at the University of Windsor, with presentation and conversation with webinar sponsor Johnson Controls. | |
What Will you Learn? In this webinar, you'll learn how advanced hybrid thermal technologies can accelerate institutional decarbonization by reducing reliance on natural gas, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing campus infrastructure.
The University of Windsor has become the first university in Canada to implement a dual drive hybrid steam electric turbine chiller, a major milestone that supports its broader sustainability and decarbonization commitments, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% within seven years and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
We look forward to hearing from the JCI team as they share their insights.
| Visit CampusEnergy2026 Virtual Exhibit Hall | | |
The sold-out exhibit hall at CampusEnergy2026 featured more than 150 business partners showcasing the latest technologies and solutions driving the district energy industry forward.
If you weren't at the conference, you can still learn more about the companies who were there by visiting the CampusEnergy2026 Virtual Exhibit Hall. Simply click the link below and browse by company name to discover organizations that may be the perfect fit for your next project. If you’re interested in exhibiting at future IDEA conferences—such as IDEA2026 this June—please contact Tanya Kozel.
The virtual hall will be available for a limited time, but you can also explore the IDEA Products & Services Guide year-round for a comprehensive listing of our member business partners. Take a look and see what’s possible.
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Also, ICYMI, IDEA has made the Opening Plenary Panel, Advancing Thermal Networks, available to everyone. That's right - its now streaming for free in the IDEA Learning Center.
To watch this important discussion, simply log in to the IDEA Learning Center using your IDEA website credentials to register and watch. If you don't have an account, create one for free and if you have an account but forgot your password, simply follow the link to reset it. Contact us if you have any issues!
For those who attended the conference, session recordings and slides from the conference are now available in the CampusEnergy2026 section of the Learning Center.
| | We're still excited by the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to this year's conference and look forward to making next year's CampusEnergy event in San Diego even better (mark your calendars for February 16-19 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA). | | And the Winner Is....You! | | |
Yes, the Oscars are coming this weekend, but at IDEA, the real awards season is just getting started.
IDEA has four major awards now open for submissions, each recognizing the people, projects, and systems advancing district energy around the world (and one for those who hope to one day). Winners will be honored at IDEA2026 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (June 23–26), where district energy leaders from across the globe will gather to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of the industry.
Please click the links below to learn more about the submission requirements for each award. If you have any questions please contact us!
IDEA System of the Year (SOYA) – honors a district energy system that exemplifies excellence in serving its community through innovation, high-level performance, and leadership. Deadline to submit is Friday, May 1, 2026.
Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award – celebrates groundbreaking technological innovations in the industry, often highlighting collaborative projects between institutions and industry partners, demonstrating value to the communities they serve. Deadline to submit is Friday, May 1, 2026.
District Energy Space – recognizes organizations that have connected new and existing buildings to district energy systems and honoring those with most total number of buildings and square footage added in North America and the Middle East with gold, silver, and bronze awards. Each submission will be included in District Energy Space 2025, our annual publication highlighting industry growth. Deadline to submit is Friday, May 1, 2026.
John Gray Scholarship – Provides scholarships to students (typically children of IDEA member employees or families, or candidates recommended by an IDEA member) who are pursuing continuing education through programs at four-year universities, two-year community colleges, accredited technical training institutes, or certification programs through accredited institutions, with the goal of building a career in the energy industry. Deadline to submit is Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Call for Article Abstracts for District Energy Magazine
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We’re now accepting article abstracts for 2027 issues of District Energy magazine. Submissions are due by Friday, May 29 to be considered.
If you have a story to share about a significant district energy project, send a 200-word abstract to Karl Cates, executive editor, at karl.idea@districtenergy.org, explaining the topic and why it would be interesting to readers of District Energy.
Articles should be noncommercial in nature and not solely promotional to any specific product, company, or proprietary service. IDEA’s editorial committee will review all abstracts in June, with decisions made shortly thereafter.
| | IDEA members receive priority consideration. Authors will be notified of their abstract acceptance and advised of deadlines and full publication requirements. All published articles must meet District Energy magazine editorial style and standards. | | And don't forget - if you have news or announcements you'd like to share with your colleagues, please contact Jason Beal. And make sure to follow us on the socials below. | | |
A colossal geo-exchange project that preserves green space too
Featuring Princeton University, Circadia Group
Commissioned just this past fall, the Poe/Pardee Field Geo-exchange and Stormwater Project at Princeton University is one of the first major borefield installations to support a campus-wide transition in progress at the university.
Princeton has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2046, coinciding with its 300th anniversary. A core strategy toward this goal is the conversion of the campus’s aging steam system to a low-temperature hot water (LTHW) network integrated with district geo-exchange.
The project represents a cornerstone in the larger strategy, exemplifying the integration of renewable thermal energy systems and stormwater management on a historically significant site – one that is at the center of a highly active campus. Through collaborative planning, design innovation and meticulous construction management, the project is proving itself a durable, efficient and low-impact energy asset expected to serve the university for the century ahead...continue reading
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We are currently accepting applications to become an IDEA member for the 2026 calendar year.
If you're not yet an IDEA member, you're missing out on opportunities to learn from industry experts, discover new technologies, and connect with colleagues.
Simply put, now is a great time to join!
IDEA members work throughout the industry, with access to invaluable content and opportunities to connect they can't find anywhere else.
If you’re passionate about district energy and want to connect with like-minded colleagues, consider joining IDEA.
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Optimizing Power Applications: A Guide for Consultant Engineers
March 26, 2026
Webinar - 1:00pm EST
Consultant Engineers are tasked with finding the best products and solutions for their customer needs. As regulations and policies evolve, finding the right solution isn’t as simple as before. Join the Cat Electric Power webinar to get the consultant engineers guide on how to optimize power applications for future success.
Register Now!
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Data Center Summit – NY
May 13-14, 2026
New York City, NY
IDEA members are invited to join industry leaders at the Data Center Investing and Planning Summit, taking place May 13–14, 2026 at 7 World Trade Center in New York City.
This exclusive gathering brings together executives, investors, developers, utilities, and policymakers shaping the future of U.S. data center expansion, with featured participation from Prologis, Constellation, ConEdison, Oracle, NYSERDA, SOM, and more.
Across two focused days, the Summit will cover data center investment strategy, policy and regulation, AI-driven demand, land and grid planning, workforce development, and next-generation onsite power and energy technologies including SMRs, microgrids, hydrogen, BESS, advanced cooling, and heat capture.
Confirmed speakers include leaders from Constellation, Prologis, CleanArc Data Centers, Beale Infrastructure, EDF Power Solutions, and other top firms driving innovation in digital infrastructure.
Registration is available at https://luma.com/l0inulj5, and additional details are available at decarbsummits.com
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Latest Positions Available (posted in last 90 days) include but are not limited to:
| | IDEA is honored to recognize the following organizations as Sustaining Sponsors. You can visit their website and learn more by clicking their logo. | |
The International District Energy Association (IDEA) works actively to foster the success of our members as leaders in providing reliable, economical, efficient, and environmentally sound district heating, district cooling, and combined heat and power.
Founded in 1909 as the National District Heating Association, IDEA continues to inform, connect, and advance the district energy industry around the globe. Today, the association has a membership of over 2,500 industry professionals representing more than 30 countries from around the globe.
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