A high-level delegation from the University of California visited Denmark in May to study how Denmark’s district heating experience can support the transition of large campus energy systems from steam to low-temperature hot-water networks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, together with Lars Hummelmose, managing director of DBDH, hosted a high-level delegation from the University of California from 18 to 21 May. The visit focused on how Danish district energy experience can inspire and support the modernisation of large campus energy systems in California.
The University of California is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious public university systems, with around 299,000 students across 11 campuses. Many UC campuses operate large and complex energy systems, and the university system is facing major investments in modernising and decarbonising its energy infrastructure.
During the visit, the delegation gained direct insight into Danish experience with district heating planning, low-temperature networks, heat pumps, surplus heat, thermal energy storage, district cooling, and long-term infrastructure transition.
The program included presentations, workshops, technical site visits, and dialogue with Danish utilities, universities, and companies. The delegation visited, among others, State of Green, the Danish Energy Agency, HOFOR, DTU, Rambøll, Høje Taastrup District Heating, and Copenhill.
A key theme throughout the visit was the practical transition from traditional steam-based campus energy systems to more efficient, climate-friendly hot-water-based district energy systems. The Danish examples provided concrete inspiration for how large institutions can plan and implement phased infrastructure transformation while maintaining reliable operations.
The visit was also an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between Danish district energy stakeholders and the University of California system.
Following the visit, David Phillips from the University of California Office of the President wrote:
“Everything exceeded expectations. The practicalities were all smooth, and the programming was well targeted. We’ve received high praise from the delegates.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and DBDH thank the University of California delegation and all Danish partners who contributed to the program.
The visit underlined the strong international relevance of Danish district energy expertise — not only for cities and utilities, but also for universities and large campus environments working to decarbonise their energy infrastructure.
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