Heat accounts for the largest share of energy consumption in the countries around the Baltic Sea. District heating is regarded as a particularly efficient source of heat. As part of the energy transition, district heating is to be decarbonized and expanded.
On November 6th, a one-day event titled "Baltic District Heating Innovation Forum 2025" took place at the IMP in Gdansk. Participants included representatives from four ongoing research projects on district heating as well as numerous other interested parties from research and industry.
The IWEN was represented by Prof. Dr. Uwe Ritschel and Jonathan Aschenbrenner at the event. Mr. Aschenbrenner leads the new Baltic Enershift (BES) project at IWEN. BES aims to modernize district heating systems in the southern Baltic Sea region by developing digital services that optimize networks, integrate sectors, and enhance customer participation. The overarching goal of the project is to increase energy efficiency, incorporate renewable energy sources, and reduce carbon emissions. Mr. Aschenbrenner participated as an expert panelist.