IDEA2026 to Convene Global District Energy Leaders in Ottawa
OTTAWA, Ontario--( BUSINESS WIRE)--The International District Energy Association (IDEA), founded in 1909 and representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, will convene district energy leaders from around the world in Ottawa, Canada, June 23-26, 2026, for its 117 th Annual Conference & Trade Show. Under the theme “Connecting Networks,” IDEA2026 will advance decarbonization, system integration, energy resilience, and thermal network innovation across four days of programming, tours, and events.
“Ottawa is at the forefront of district energy innovation—from the Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP) to net-zero thermal networks to electrification, it’s the perfect backdrop for this global gathering,” said Rob Thornton, president & CEO of IDEA. “IDEA2026 is where the sector’s most experienced engineers, operators, investors, and policymakers come together to advance progress. The momentum is real, and this year’s theme, Connecting Networks, captures exactly what district energy does and why it matters—aggregating demand, integrating diverse energy sources, and innovating to decarbonize communities at scale.”
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
IDEA2026 features more than 150 speakers across a comprehensive program spanning district heating and cooling, thermal energy storage, geothermal and geo-exchange, smart cities, microgrids, and more.
Program highlights include:
“We’re excited to bring IDEA2026 to Ottawa, a city where innovative district energy projects are demonstrating what’s possible at scale,” said David Woodson, IDEA Board Chair and Executive Director, Campus Energy, Utilities and Operations, University of Washington. “Year after year, this conference serves as a global hub for experts to share best practices, spotlight emerging technologies, and advance the solutions that will define the next era of district energy.”
IDEA is grateful for its Diamond Sponsors: Cordia, Empower Energy Solutions, and Johnson Controls, and thanks our Platinum Sponsors: CenTrio, Corix, Enwave Energy Corporation, and Vicinity Energy, for their generous support. A complete list of IDEA2026 sponsors is available at: https://idea2026.eventscribe.net/sponsors.asp?pfp=Sponsors
The full program is available at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/home. Register at https://www.districtenergy.org/idea2026/registration.
About IDEA
The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association founded in 1909 and based in Massachusetts, USA. Representing nearly 3,000 members across more than 30 countries, IDEA champions district heating, district cooling, thermal networks, and combined heat and power (CHP) as reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Its mission is to foster the success of its members as global leaders in advancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilient, sustainable communities.