Global District Energy Climate Awards
Launched in 2009, the GDECA celebrate sustainable district energy solutions in our communities and cities!
Find more information about this international initiative at www.districtenergyaward.org

Applications are open to systems that illustrate the overall importance of District Energy (heating & cooling) in providing sustainable energy solutions.
Eligible applicants include owners, operators, communities and organizations served by a District Energy system. Finalists are selected from those who best articulate their ambition and aspirations for District Energy performance improvements.
Awards Categories
Applicants can submit their entries to one of the following categories:
Category | Description | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
New Scheme | Reflects the ambition and aspiration of a new District Energy system and those organisations that have an exciting vision, and which have achieved a high level of energy efficiency through a District Energy system. | This category is available to systems which are in operation for a maximum of three (3) years and which are demonstrably operational and have the potential to demonstrate a positive energy performance over at least the next 10 years. |
Modernisation and/or Expansion | Recognises the District Energy system that had the most positive impact in terms of effectiveness and efficiency after implementing the modernisation and/or expansion. Aspects of modernisation may be technical, managerial, or operational. Expansion can target a new area or sector. | Available to systems which have been in operation for at least five (5) years. Start of operation will be determined by the date of continuous service to the first customer or facility. The modernisation/expansion must have been initiated within the last five (5) years and be in operation for at least six (6) months. |
Sector Coupling | Projects that demonstrate the technical integration and the synergies achieved between thermal energy systems and electricity systems may be recognized under the "Sector Coupling" category. | The system being preferably in operation or at least under construction with a set commercial operation date. |
Emerging District Energy market | Highlights the successful implementation of a District Energy system in a country that does not yet have an established District Energy market. | The system must be demonstrably operational and based in an emerging District Energy market. |
District Energy in Developing Countries | This category is specifically for district energy systems that have been successfully implemented in developing countries which have no established district energy market, where both pressure on finance and environmental issues can be acute. | The system must be demonstrably operational and based in an emerging economy. |
‘Out of the Box’ | Entry to this category is an option for those organisations carrying out initiatives which do not fit in any of the other categories listed for the Global District Energy Climate Awards, but show evidence of significant innovation in the District Energy sector. | The category is open to any project or system not entering in the other categories listed that has demonstrated a significant technological, commercial or financial advance either in the technology of District Energy, in any related systems, the physical or commercial application or the innovation of the financial structures that underpin the development/project or offering. |
Application Procedure
Applications can be submitted via the online tool within one of the above mentioned categories. The applicant will also be able to choose secondary category (optional), which could also apply to the case. The evaluation panel reserves the right to change the entry category if in their view there is a more appropriate one.
To view the PDF indicating the exact questions asked in the application process click here.
If you don't have an account on the Euroheat & Power website, you will be asked to register first. If, when registering, you don't find your Organisation in the list, please leave this field empty. You will be able to enter the name of your Organisation at the next stage. If you have specific questions about the application process, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Timeline
The application deadline for #23GDECA is 25 May 2023!
Evaluations will be conducted by the international jury panel in June. Winners will be informed in July and invited to the Awards Ceremony, which will take place on 14-15 November 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.