Europe is once again facing an energy crisis following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a stark reminder of the continent's continued exposure to fossil fuel imports.

Yet the latest data tells a different story. The new DHC Market Outlook 2026 shows that Europe's district heating and cooling sector is steadily reducing this dependence by expanding the use of renewable and waste heat sources while connecting more households than ever before.

Across Europe, local energy sources such as geothermal, solar thermal, bioenergy and waste heat are increasingly replacing imported fossil fuels for heating. At the same time, the rapid deployment of large heat pumps and electric boilers is accelerating electrification, supporting the integration of renewable electricity and helping balance power grids.

These developments demonstrate that recurring energy crises are not inevitable. By harnessing local, sustainable energy sources, district heating and cooling is strengthening Europe's energy security while supporting the transition to a more competitive and climate-neutral economy.

Speakers:

Eloi Piel, Market Intelligence Director, Euroheat & Power
Samuel Petit, Head of Public Affairs, ENGIE
Olaf Liftwiakow, Senior Manager European Heat Policies and Regulation, BEW Berliner Energie und Wärme GmbH
Emanuele Mazzola, Sales Engineer - Heat Electrification, Turboden
Johan Herold Højgaard, Business Development Director, Kamstrup
Moderated by Pauline Lucas, Policy Director, Euroheat & Power

Large-scale thermal storage for district heating and cooling