By Rob Thornton, President & CEO, International District Energy Association (IDEA)
As new technologies emerge and the energy landscape evolves to meet the demands of data centers, aging infrastructure, and electrification, district energy is uniquely positioned to lead—and CampusEnergy2026 proved it.
This year’s conference delivered our second-highest attendance ever, welcoming nearly 900 returning participants and 430 first-time attendees—a clear signal of continued momentum across the district energy sector. More than 1,360 professionals from over 450 cities in 18 countries gathered in Washington, D.C. to exchange insights, explore practical solutions, and help advance a low-carbon energy future.
Guided by the theme, “Advancing Thermal Networks,” CampusEnergy2026 featured technical sessions, workshops, and local system tours, anchored by more than 100 presentations and discussions. Attendees returned home with actionable, real-world takeaways they can apply directly to planning, operating, and modernizing their own systems. Over 140 exhibitors were on hand to showcase emerging technologies, integration strategies and innovations.
Celebrating the Next Generation of District Energy Leaders
One of the most powerful moments of the week was the presentation of the Patti Wilson Leadership Program Awards. Patti Wilson was a beloved colleague, board member, and former chair of IDEA—someone who embodied collegiality, collaboration, and the courage to push beyond the industry’s comfort zone.
Following Patti’s passing in 2024, her former employer, Affiliated Engineers, partnered with IDEA to establish this program to support the next generation of leaders and expand the participation of women in the district energy industry. This year, we were proud to recognize twenty-one outstanding women whose leadership and commitment are shaping the future of our industry.
Honoring Industry Innovation
CampusEnergy2026 also highlighted the recipients of the Global District Energy Climate Awards, a bi-annual program of the International Energy Agency coordinated by Euroheat & Power that recognizes exemplary district energy systems around the world. The 2025 GDECA class illustrated the breadth of what this industry is building and the depth of commitment behind it.
In Finland, the modernization of the Kankaanpää district heating network introduced the world’s first large-scale sand battery—cutting emissions by more than 70% while maintaining near-perfect reliability. In Toronto, Enwave’s system at The Well is using innovative large-scale thermal energy for both heat and cold storage integrated underground in a dense downtown development, dramatically reducing strain on the electric grid. In Spain, a new system in Asturias is recovering heat from mine water to serve local buildings and in India, a district cooling concession in Gurugram is showing how “cooling-as-a-service” models can meet rapidly growing demand without overloading the power systems while supporting public health and safety.
Together, these projects underscore the adaptability, resilience, and climate value of district energy networks worldwide.
Momentum That Matters
We have made remarkable progress, and the conversations at CampusEnergy2026 made one thing clear: the momentum is real. Continued collaboration between experienced industry leaders and the next generation of innovators will be essential—and this community is ready.
IDEA is proud to host events that strengthen these connections, spark new ideas, and accelerate real-world solutions. On behalf of everyone at IDEA, thank you to all who joined us at CampusEnergy2026.
We look forward to seeing many of you at IDEA2026 in Ottawa this June and again next year at CampusEnergy2027 in San Diego.
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