Unlocking aquathermal energy for sustainable heating & cooling: from potential to implementation
1 December 2026 | 12:00–18:30 | SQUARE Brussels
Europe’s rivers, lakes and other water resources hold significant potential for sustainable heating and cooling. But how do we turn that potential into projects that work in practice – and create the right conditions to deploy them at scale?
The WaterWarmth final conference will bring together cities, policymakers, energy experts and practitioners to exchange concrete experiences and explore what comes next for aquathermal energy in Europe.
From real-life projects and technologies to public acceptance, heat planning, district heating and cooling, heat pumps and smart integration, the conference will explore both what works on the ground and what is needed to accelerate deployment across Europe.
The conference takes place at SQUARE in parallel with the Heat Pump Forum & Awards. While the two events have separate programmes and registrations, their proximity will offer opportunities to connect with the wider European heat pump community during breaks and networking moments.
Participation is free of charge and includes the networking lunch, coffee break and networking drinks.
Programme
12:00 | Registration & networking lunch
13:30–13:40 | Welcome
Dirk Blom, WaterWarmth project coordinator
13:40–14:00 | Keynote – The potential of aquathermal energy in Europe
Sebastian Baes, Extraqt
14:00–15:00 | Panel session I – Aquathermal energy in practice
Real-life projects, technologies and experiences, with Tom van Zuuk (De Fryske Marren), Colette Van Loy (REScoop.eu), Toke Kjær Christensen (NIRAS) and more.
15:00–15:30 | Networking coffee break
15:30–15:50 | Keynote – A fair, sustainable and community-driven energy future built on aquathermal energy: the story of Kortrijk
Maxime Veys, Deputy Mayor for Climate, City of Kortrijk (TBC)
15:50–16:50 | Panel session II – Creating the conditions for deployment
Policy, planning, heat pumps and district heating & cooling with aquathermal energy
Moderated by Ighor Van de Vyver (City of Mechelen), with Thijs Van Der Meeren (De Vlaamse Waterweg / CIW), Margot Pinault (DG ENER) and Remboud van Iddekinge (De Fryske Marren) (TBC).
16:50–17:05 | Closing reflections
Interreg North Sea Region / CPMR
17:05–17:15 | Wrap-up
Dirk Blom, WaterWarmth project coordinator
17:15–18:30 | Networking drinks
18:30–22:00 | Optional networking dinner
An optional dinner will take place after the conference and can be booked during registration (€75 + booking fees).
Practical information
Date: Tuesday, 1 December 2026
Time: 12:00–18:30
Venue: SQUARE Brussels Convention Centre
Entrance: 1–3 Coudenberg, 1000 Brussels
Participation: Free of charge – registration required.
