IDEA2026 Plenary Panels


An integral part of the IDEA2026 program are the Opening Plenary Panels that assemble industry leaders from North America and the world to discuss the forces shaping the future of district energy

In Ottawa, we'll convene two high-level plenary panels, each exploring the market trends, technologies, partnerships, and policy frameworks driving growth, modernization, and decarbonization across the sector. Attendees can expect candid insights and forward-looking discussion from the very leaders helping to define the next generation of district energy systems.

Plenary Panel One

Industry Leaders Opening Plenary Panel
Wednesday, June 24, 2026; 8:20-9:15am

 

In keeping with the conference theme of “Connecting Networks,” this plenary panel will bring together CEOs and senior leaders from district energy systems across North America to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and market forces shaping the future of the industry.

We've assembled industry leaders representing systems and organizations from cities including Toronto, Boston, Houston, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Ottawa, each offering valuable insights drawn from real-world experience developing, expanding, modernizing, and operating district energy infrastructure in dense urban environments.

We'll explore how district energy is responding to growing demands for decarbonization, electrification, energy security, affordability, and grid resilience. We'll discuss the implications of policy and regulation at the local, state/provincial, national, and global levels, while also examining the private-public partnerships needed to accelerate investment in long-life energy infrastructure.

The panel will also take a forward-looking view of emerging technologies and market trends, including thermal energy networks, large heat pumps, geothermal systems, and opportunities for sector coupling between district energy, electric systems, and natural gas infrastructure. 

We'll also take a long view of the rapidly growing intersection of data centers and district energy, including heat export opportunities, CHP and microgrid applications, and the broader implications of AI-driven infrastructure growth.

Attendees can expect an engaging and practical discussion focused on lessons learned, market signals, risk mitigation strategies, and the technologies and partnerships likely to define the next generation of district energy systems.

Tom Burton
General Manager, Equans Services, Inc.

Tom has played a pivotal role over the past seven years in transforming the National Capital Region’s district energy system. As a senior leader with Equans Service Inc—the system’s operations and maintenance provider and a member of the Innovate Energy consortium—he is responsible for day-to-day performance, long-term planning, and operational readiness of one of Canada’s most significant energy modernization initiatives. He also serves as a Board member of Innovate Energy, the private-sector consortium delivering the ESAP public-private partnership (P3) program, contributing to governance and strategic oversight of the modernization effort.

Tom supports the multi-phase transition from an aging steam-based network to a next-generation system featuring low-temperature hot water and electric chilled water. This modernized network will ultimately serve more than 80 federal buildings across the National Capital Region. He works closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada, consulting engineers, major contractors, and municipal partners to coordinate complex infrastructure upgrades while ensuring uninterrupted service to critical federal operations.

Throughout the program, Tom has championed innovation and decarbonization, supporting the integration of advanced controls, high-efficiency equipment, and future-ready technologies that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His collaborative approach and steady leadership have helped position the program as a national model for sustainable energy infrastructure and a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s climate commitments.

Tom’s career has been defined by his strength as a senior leader in the building technologies industry, shaped by over 20 years on the construction side of the business. He is recognized for building and leading high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. His leadership approach combines strong technical literacy with strategic insight, enabling him to bridge design, construction, and operations while aligning diverse partners toward shared outcomes. He brings a disciplined focus on execution, risk management, and continuous improvement, ensuring that large-scale infrastructure programs are delivered reliably, efficiently, and with long-term value



Carlyle Coutinho
Chief Executive Officer, Enwave Energy Corporation

Carlyle Coutinho is the CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation. Carlyle began his career with Enwave in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer and has held a number of executive roles across the North American platform. 
 
Prior to joining Enwave in 2013, Carlyle held progressively senior investment and operational positions in the private equity and debt investment industry in Canada and the United States. Carlyle began his career in public accounting with KPMG and Deloitte. 

Carlyle is a Harvard Business School Alumni and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.





Mike Crawley
Executive Chair, Creative Energy

From 2018 to 2024, Mike was President & Chief Executive Officer of Northland Power Inc., a listed global independent power producer with over 5GWs of operating and in construction assets in Europe, Asia and the Americas. As President & CEO, he re-structured the company from a largely Canadian company with a founding shareholder to a global widely held company substantially growing its cashflow and development pipeline while establishing the company as leader in offshore wind. Mike originally joined Northland in 2015 as Executive Vice President of Development.

Previously, Mike had played a prominent role in the development of the Canadian renewable power sector. He was CEO of AIM PowerGen (“AIM”), where he led the company from initial concept to one of the largest independent renewable power developers in Canada. During his tenure, he oversaw the development, construction and operations of numerous renewables power projects. After AIM’s sale to Engie (formerly GDF Suez), Mike continued as the President of GDF Suez Canada.

From 2015 to 2023, Mike served on the Advisory Board of Instar Asset Management, a mid market, North American infrastructure fund. He has also served on the Boards of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario, Clean Energy BC, Canadian Solar Industry Association and was the Chairman of the Ontario Energy Association’s Board. Mike began his private sector career with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Jacob Graff
Chief Operating Officer, Cordia

Jacob Graff is a distinguished leader in the thermal and distributed energy infrastructure sector, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Cordia. In this role, Jacob provides national leadership for Cordia’s operational performance, driving excellence across all markets. He oversees the company’s General Managers, Operational Engineering, Operations Management, and Business Management Support functions, ensuring that Cordia’s operations are efficient, reliable, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. Jacob is responsible for guiding local operational excellence while fostering collaboration and consistency across the company’s national portfolio.


Previously, Jacob served as Regional President for Cordia’s North and West regions, where he led the sales and operations of multiple thermal district energy systems across Minneapolis, Arizona, and California. His strategic vision and operational expertise were instrumental in advancing Cordia’s Energy Center Minneapolis, which has served the city for over 50 years, while also driving performance and growth in Cordia’s western markets. Under his leadership, these systems supported a wide range of industries from sports stadiums and healthcare to major university campuses delivering sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy solutions.


Jacob’s earlier roles at Cordia included Production Manager and Plant Manager, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational acumen. Prior to joining Cordia, Jacob was a Principal Engineer at Xcel Energy, where he managed a large 718 MVA steam turbine-generator and oversaw comprehensive engineering functions related to power generation. His decade-long experience in the power industry established his deep technical foundation and commitment to operational excellence.


Beyond his professional achievements, Jacob is deeply engaged in the community. He is a member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the City of Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan Energy Subcommittee. He also dedicates time to coaching youth sports, exemplifying his passion for mentorship and community service.

Kevin Hagerty
President & CEO, Vicinity Energy

Prior to becoming CEO, Kevin served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vicinity, ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the company’s district energy systems. Before that, he was Vicinity’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO), overseeing Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), and Technical teams, driving innovation and operational excellence. 

With over 20 years of experience in the power industry, Kevin held senior leadership roles at Veolia for nearly a decade. His most recent position at Veolia was as Senior Vice President of Operations for Veolia North America’s (VNA) East business, where he oversaw more than 50 facilities, including the company’s largest district energy systems in Boston and Philadelphia.
 
As CEO, Kevin is leading Vicinity’s transition to electrification and the expansion of eSteam™, solidifying the company’s role as the leader in decarbonizing North American cities with district energy systems.
 
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, with a focus on Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA from Boston University.




Eric T. Miller
Chief Executive Officer, CenTrio

As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at CenTrio, Eric brings 28 years of experience in the energy and utility industry. His many years of experience has built his diverse expertise in capital markets, strategic growth, system innovation, and profit and loss management. Eric is adept at building leadership teams and platforms from deal close to monetization.
 
Mr. Miller has held numerous executive leadership roles throughout his career. Prior to his promotion to CEO, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of CenTrio. He also served in CEO and CFO roles for energy portfolio companies of Oaktree Capital and retail electric provider MP2 Energy. Eric spent a decade at Reliant Energy in financial and risk management roles and started his career in the Audit division of Arthur Andersen. As the leader of CenTrio, Eric emphasizes a company culture that values accountability, mutual respect, growth and innovation, operational excellence, and the consummate delivery of outstanding customer service. 
 
Eric is a Certified Public Accountant and earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and his Master of Science in Finance degrees from Texas A&M University. Eric, his wife Christy, and their three boys live in The Woodlands, Texas.




Lisa Sparrow
President & CEO, Corix

As President and CEO of Corix, a leading district energy utility with operations across North America, Lisa brings more than 35 years of experience in the manufacturing, energy and infrastructure sectors at BP, General Motors and Corix. With over 20 years in the C-suite, Lisa is a respected voice in the water and energy utility sectors. Her leadership is characterized by a people-first approach, strategic foresight, and a commitment to sustainable communities, making her a trusted advisor and director for companies and organizations. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. 



Plenary Panel Two

Plenary Panel Two

Global Industry Leaders Opening Plenary Panel Discussion 
Wednesday, June 24, 2026; 8:00-8:55am

As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, district energy systems are increasingly being recognized as essential infrastructure for building more resilient, efficient, and low-carbon communities. In keeping with the conference theme, “Connecting Networks,” this plenary panel will bring together international leaders and experts to explore the market forces, policy frameworks, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of district energy around the world.
 
Panelists will discuss the current state of district energy deployment across different regions and examine the factors driving investment and growth, including energy security, affordability, decarbonization, electrification pressures, and grid resilience. The conversation will explore how public policy at the national, regional, and local levels can accelerate - and sometimes hinder - the deployment of district energy systems, as well as the critical role sector coupling can play in supporting a managed energy transition.
 
We'll also tackle the emerging opportunities tied to large-scale infrastructure development, including geothermal systems, large heat pumps, thermal energy networks, and the rapidly growing intersection of data centers and district energy. Panelists will share perspectives on strategies for overcoming development risk, financing long-life infrastructure, and building successful collaborations between governments, utilities, institutions, developers, and private industry.
 
Finally, the session will look ahead to the next generation of industry leadership, offering practical insights and advice for young professionals entering a rapidly transforming energy sector. Attendees can expect a global, candid, and forward-looking discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges defining district energy’s role in the future energy economy.

Ahmad Bin Shafar
Chief Executive Officer, Empower

Ahmad Bin Shafar has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Empower, Dubai, since its inception. He brings over 30 years of experience in senior management roles, including eight years at Standard Chartered Bank, where he worked across Corporate and Retail Banking, Finance, Marketing, and Customer Relations. As CEO, Ahmad provides strategic direction, and under his leadership, Empower has become the world’s largest district cooling services provider by capacity within just a decade.


Ahmad has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Empower Insulated Pipe Systems (ELIPS) since 2007. ELIPS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Empower, is a global leader in insulated pipe systems.
Ahmad is a Special Advisor on district cooling to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for its global ‘District Energy in Cities’ initiative.


In June 2013, Ahmad became the first UAE national to be nominated to the Board of Directors of the International District Energy Association (IDEA). He was re-nominated for a second three-year term (2016–2019). In recognition of his extensive contributions during his six-year tenure, IDEA’s Executive Committee appointed Ahmad as a Board Member Emeritus for a three-year term in 2019, and he was subsequently reappointed.


Since 2020, Ahmad has served as Chairman of the District Cooling Operators Association-GCC and, since 2012, as Executive Chairman of Bin Shafar Holding. He has been a key speaker, lecturer, and panelist at numerous international events, including industry-specific conferences and trade shows organized by UNEP, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and IDEA.


Ahmad is a member of the Cranfield Management Association, IMD International, ASHRAE, and IDEA. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management) from California State University, Los Angeles, USA.

Sam Chatterton
Vice President, Johnson Controls

Sam Chatterton is Vice President of Product Technical Support and Operations for Johnson Controls.  He has spent the past 26 years working for York International/Johnson Controls organizations in various leadership  roles including Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management and  his current role. Sam started his career with British Airways while attending Southall College of Technology. Prior to joining York/ Johnson Controls  Sam worked in the service side of the business, moving from the UK to USA in 1989.  He has spent his entire approaching 40 year career working in the Industrial Refrigeration and HVAC industry.
 
As a part of Sam’s broader customer facing role representing Johnson Controls Technical Support, Sam has focused a lot of his time in the  District Energy Industry, working very closely with large University campuses and District Cooling Systems, helping with ongoing operations and developing solutions for upcoming new systems.

Dr. Andrej Jentsch
Programme Manager, IEA-DHC

Dr. Andrej Jentsch serves as Programme Manager of the IEA DHC – the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on District Heating and Cooling. Based at AGFW, the German District Energy Association, he coordinates the Real-world Laboratory on Large Heat Pumps in District Heating and develops and applies science-based methods for evaluating energy system transformation pathways, including the Resource Exergy Analysis (REA).

Conall Mahon
Senior Specialist, District Heating Centre of Excellence
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Conall is a Senior Specialist in the District Heating Centre of Excellence within the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. He works on strategy and delivery support for the rollout of low carbon heat networks in Ireland, with a particular focus on funding development, policy and research. This includes leading the development of a first of its kind national District Heating grant scheme in Ireland, expected to provide between €50 million and €100 million in support to the sector through to 2030.
 
Conall has experience translating complex technical and regulatory issues into clear, practical actions that support decision makers and delivery partners. He has worked in a number of policy and grant compliance roles across the heating and energy efficiency sectors. Conall holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from NUI Galway and University College Dublin respectively.

Cristina Mariaca
International Strategic and Technical Coordinator, Global Energy District Programme, UNIDO

Cristina Mariaca is a mechanical engineer specializing in environmental management, with a master’s degree in refrigeration and another in energy and sustainable development. She has over 15 years of experience leading the formulation, coordination, and implementation of strategies and projects within the framework of the Montreal Protocol and climate change mitigation.

She has extensive expertise in sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), integrating ozone-friendly solutions with climate change mitigation, energy transition, and efficiency criteria. As a senior advisor, she has played a key role in the implementation of district energy systems, securing and managing partnerships with public and private stakeholders at national and subnational levels. She also has strong experience negotiating programs and mobilizing funds, ensuring effective cooperation and alignment among institutional partners in international cooperation projects.

From 2013 to 2024, she served as the Coordinator of Colombia’s National District Energy Strategy, leading the promotion and development of district cooling systems as a sustainable solution. Currently, she heads the Global District Energy Program, an initiative that scales Colombia’s expertise to Asia and Africa, driving the global adoption of efficient and sustainable energy systems.

Meghan Riesterer CEM, CDSM, LEED AP BD+C
Second Vice Chair, Executive Committee, IDEA Board of Directors

Meghan Riesterer is a district energy leader and sustainable infrastructure visionary with experience spanning campus energy systems, nonprofit utilities, and national district energy platforms. Most recently serving as Chief Sustainability Officer at CenTrio Energy, she led resilience, decarbonization, and government affairs initiatives across a portfolio of systems serving universities and urban communities throughout the United States.


Her prior roles include leading campus energy transformation and achieving carbon neutrality at Oberlin College, as well as advancing clean energy strategy for a nonprofit district energy system in Cleveland. She is a founding member of the District Energy Women’s Initiative and currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the International District Energy Association.

Tomasz Smetny-Sowa
Senior Program Director, Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP)


Tomasz Smetny-Sowa has been the Senior Director of ESAP since June 2012. Tomasz has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Building Systems from Gdansk Technical University in Poland and has worked with HVAC systems in buildings and ships, as well as with District Energy Systems (DES) in Poland, Sweden, and Denmark. After teaching thermodynamics, related subjects for four years at the University in Oran, Algeria, Tomasz came to Canada in 1985.  He worked in the private sector as a consultant for 8 years and in 1993 he joined the Federal Public Service at the department of Public Services and Procurement Canada as a Mechanical Engineer with the Architectural and Engineering Services team. He became Manager of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team in 2009. In this role, Tomasz contributed to the ESAP feasibility study.   

Following a 2009 boiler explosion at the Cliff heating and cooling plant in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, Tomasz led the Temporary Boiler Plant initiative from concept to commissioning.


Since then, Tomasz has been responsible for leading a diverse team including technical advisors with specialized experience in District Energy Systems, and for shaping the project development process and delivering a Validation Workshop, which supported the development of the ESAP business case. His extensive knowledge and experience are significant assets for the project.


In his role as Senior Director, Tomasz is accountable for the Program’s strategic direction, operational leadership, stakeholder relationships and engagement, the project’s governance structure as well as the project’s risk management. 

David Woodson
Executive Director, Campus, Energy, Utilities & Operations, University of Washington

David Woodson, MBA, FMA, CEFP, is the Executive Director of Campus Energy, Utilities, and Operations at the University of Washington, where he is leading the decarbonization of the district heating system at the flagship Seattle campus. His work focuses on large-scale thermal systems, electrification strategies, infrastructure resilience, and managing peak energy risks during the transition away from fossil fuels. Prior to UW, David held a similar leadership role at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he helped advance campus energy and district energy system modernization efforts.
 
He now applies those lessons learned to UW’s long-term decarbonization strategy. David is a UW alumnus (Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ’91) and earned his MBA from UBC in 2006. He has served on the Board of the International District Energy Association since 2017 and currently serves as Chair.