Session 1: International Perspectives

IDEA2026 TENs Workshop Session: TENs 1.0

The market for thermal energy networks (TENs) in the UK is growing with a target for England of 7% of heat demand by 2035, more than doubling the current size of the heat network sector. Together with complementary initiatives in the devolved administrations, this will confirm the UK as one of the fastest growing markets for heat networks in Europe. Key elements to unlocking the potential of low-carbon heat networks and accelerating market development include the recent introduction of heat network zoning, currently with support for at least 10 of the biggest English towns and cities to establish heat network zones.

Topic: Thermal Energy Networks (TENS)

Keywords: district energy, international experience, policy

Andrej Jentsch, PhD

Andrej Jentsch, PhD

Programme Manager

IEA DHC

Dr. Andrej Jentsch is the Programme Manager at IEA DHC, the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programme on District Heating and Cooling. He leads AGFW’s flagship project, the “Real-World Laboratory for Large Heat Pumps in District Heating,” and specializes in exergy-based analysis and comparison of energy systems. He is also principal of Richtvert, a science-based energy systems consultancy.

Robin Wiltshire

Robin Wiltshire

Chair

IEA DHC

Dr Robin Wiltshire is the Chair of the International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programme on District Heating & Cooling (IEA DHC). He has his own company Heatmatters Ltd and has worked in the field for approximately 30 years, carrying out research and consultancy tasks for clients in the UK and abroad. He currently divides his time between this work and teaching in an international school where he endeavours to itroduce these themes into his teaching.
Jianjun Xia

Jianjun Xia

Professor

Tsinghua University

Professor Jianjun Xia is currently Professor in the Building energy research center, school of Architecture, Tsinghua University. Prof. Jianjun Xia’s areas of expertise include energy planning, utilization of industry waste heat for space heating, and building energy systems.He is the deputy director of Tsinghua building energy research center, the member of the Executive Committee (ExCo) and representative for China of IEA District Heating and Cooling TCP (IEA-DHC). He is also the deputy director of Scientific Committee of China District Heating Association. He serves as associate editor for international journal “Building Simulation”. He is author or co-author of five books and more than 150 scientific papers.
Gerard MacDonald, LEED AP, P Eng (Non-Practising)

Gerard MacDonald, LEED AP, P Eng (Non-Practising)

Principal

Reshape Infrastructure Strategies

Gerard is a Principal with Reshape Infrastructure Strategies, an development and advisory firm based in Vancouver, BC that operates across North America. He is a Professional Engineer (non-practising) with a Master’s degree in Clean Energy Engineering. Gerard has twenty years of experience in green buildings and district energy/thermal energy networks. He supports energy utilities, master plan developers, campuses, and municipalities to accelerate the energy transition. 

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Video - Session 1: International Perspectives
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