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The heat transition is in full swing. But real progress starts with confidence. In innovation, collaboration, and the strength of our community. At Confidence 2025, pioneers, experts, and policymakers gathered in Sneek to turn the future of sustainable energy into action. This year, the focus was on aquathermy, leveraging Fryslân’s abundant water sources to create a warmer, more sustainable future.
Confidence ‘25 Report
What does Dutch-Danish collaboration on district heating deliver? This report. A collection of insights, practical examples, and strategies ready to be applied by anyone working on collective heat solutions. From governance to financing, from heat density to public ownership. This document offers practical guidance for municipalities, policymakers, and energy professionals.
confidence '25
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At Confidence ’25, participants tackled current challenges in the heat transition together. In five interactive workshops, knowledge and practical experiences were shared. From technical innovations to governance challenges. With experts from home and abroad, and ample opportunity to learn from each other.
This Was Confidence ’25
Why Municipal Heat Companies Make Sense
1
Led by: Jens Andersen, Hanne Kortegaard and Sacha de Haan
Jens, Hanne, and Sacha will explore why municipalities should consider establishing their own heat companies instead of relying on cooperative or private alternatives. What are the advantages of public ownership, and what lessons can be learned from existing cases?
Discussion question: What is stopping you from creating a municipal heat company?
Led by: Bernard Stornebrink, Rune Tonell and Caspar Boendermaker
Drawing on Bernard and Caspar's article in the report, this workshop will examine how the Danish approach integrates technology, finance, and entrepreneurship to build successful district heating networks. The case of Sønder Felding will serve as a key example.
Discussion question: How would you design the ideal district heating network for your municipality or region?
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Sønder Felding’s Secret: Combining Tech, Finance & Entrepreneurship
Led by: Marie-Louise Lemgart, Cilou Bertin and Joke Yedema
How can municipalities build trust and confidence within their own organizations when implementing heat networks? This session will explore insights from Denmark, VNG and Súdwest-Fryslân.
Discussion question: What do you foresee as difficulties in your municipality when it comes to Confidence
Building Confidence: Lessons from Denmark, Súdwest-Fryslân & VNG
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Mapping the Future: Designing a District Heating Masterplan
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Led by Andries Metz, Johan Sølvhøj, Susana Paardekoper and Duco Hartlief
Participants will work hands-on with a real-world example, selecting a municipality and analysing its heat demand density. Using PETA 5.2, they will draft a high-level masterplan for an integrated district heating strategy. In this workshop the team will also present the new Heatmap for Friesland.
Discussion question: How would you design a masterplan for a given municipality based on heat demand and available data?
Step by Step: A Phased Approach to Citywide District Heating (Small Workshop max 30.)
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Led by: Michiel de Wit and Morten Jordt Duedahl
Participants will actively join Michiel and Morten, by representing a certain area of a city. Together mapping out the perfect phased approach to a full-fledged network providing a whole city with district heating.
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Experts
Janette Webb
Professor of Sociology of Organisations, University of Edinburgh
Janette Webb is a leading researcher on energy and cities in Europe, specializing in low-carbon heat policy and practice. Her work is supported by UK Research and Innovation, the Scottish Government, and Energy Systems Catapult. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and was awarded an MBE in 2020 for her contributions to the UK energy transition. Janette has advised UK and Scottish governments on energy policy and led major research initiatives on sustainable energy systems. Her expertise spans academia, policy, and business, with a long-standing commitment to energy efficiency.
Henrik Dalsgaard
VP Market - District Energy, COWI
Henrik Dalsgaard is the Vice President Market - District Energy at COWI, a leading consulting firm specializing in engineering, environment, and economics. In his role at COWI, Henrik is responsible for market development of district energy solutions. His expertise lies in promoting sustainable energy solutions and improving urban energy infrastructures. Henrik's leadership and vision contribute to the growth and innovation within the sustainable energy sector.
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report
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The insights, ideas, and impact of Confidence ’25 compiled into one report.
This report is a co-production of Wetterwaarmte, Danish Board of District Heating, gemeente Súdwest-Fryslân, Enber, Provincie Fryslân, VNG, BNG Bank, Danish Energy Agency and the Deense ambassade in Nederland.
The content was compiled under the editorial guidance of Morten Jordt Duedahl (DBDH), Sacha de Haan, Michiel de Wit, and Arnoud Boerkoel (Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân).
Design and print coordination were provided by Fresh Currents, commissioned by Wetterwaarmte.
Municipalities play a key role in the transition from natural gas to sustainable heat. Confidence supports them in this endeavor. In collaboration with Dutch and Danish experts, we translate the successful Danish model for district heating to the Dutch context. This way, we connect knowledge, policy, and implementation. And together, we accelerate the heat transition.
The Confidence Project
Questions?
Do you have questions about Confidence or the report? Contact us at info@confidence.frl.