A new platform for Danish companies in one of Europe’s largest district heating markets
The Danish–Polish District Heating Partnership is a joint initiative led by the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Poland. It provides a structured platform for Danish companies to engage in one of Europe’s most significant district heating markets, supporting business development, partnerships, and market access. The initiative aims to position Danish solutions as the preferred choice for Poland’s green transition while facilitating concrete commercial opportunities and long-term collaborations.
Poland is the second-largest district heating market in Europe. At the same time, the sector is facing a major transition: coal must be phased out, energy independence must be strengthened, and large-scale investments are needed to modernise and decarbonise heating infrastructure.
For Danish companies, this creates a significant opportunity. But it also requires market insight, local access, strong partnerships, and coordinated Danish visibility. This is exactly what the Danish-Polish District Heating Partnership is designed to support.
Partnership Structure
The partnership is structured into three complementary tracks:
1. District Heating Platform
Entry-level access for companies seeking insights and exposure:
- Market intelligence and policy updates (3 annual updates)
- Access to the DBDH and Embassy network
- Participation in networking events (Summer Meeting and Christmas Mixer)
- Visibility in marketing materials
- Opportunity-driven meetings with Polish stakeholders
2. District Heating Alliance
Designed for companies ready to engage actively in the market:
- All Platform benefits
- Bi-monthly strategic check-ins
- Participation in specialised in-market workshops (2–3 annually)
- Lead generation and targeted introductions
- Enhanced branding and market positioning
- Access to subsidy and funding intelligence
- Participation in Polish delegations to Denmark
3. Business Development Partnership
Tailored high-impact engagement for companies pursuing strategic market positions:
- Full access to all Alliance and Platform benefits
- Continuous project involvement and follow-up
- Tailored events with speaking opportunities
- High-level introductions to decision-makers
- Participation in strategic projects and collaborations
- Advisory support for tenders, funding, and partnerships
- Direct access to local expertise
________________________________________
2026 Program Components
The partnership activities are organised around three key pillars:
- District Heating Platform
- District Heating Alliance
- Bilateral Collaboration Projects
- Supported by:
- TFE Strategic Project
- TFE Development Project
- MUE Development Project
- The Danish Energy Agency (Energy Advisor)
________________________________________
Support Schemes and Strategic Projects
Strategic Planning and Education
- Collaboration with selected Polish utilities and municipalities
- Workshops to share best practices and lessons learned
- Focus areas:
- Utility–municipality cooperation
- Integration with power markets
- Danish–Polish sector engagement
Project Development
- Utility-to-utility mentorship programmes
- Pre-feasibility studies for Danish solutions in Poland
- Example collaboration: Aalborg Forsyning & PGE Heat
- Key topics:
- Coal phase-out
- Heat storage
- Electrification and power-to-heat
Market Access and Insight
- Analysis of district heating’s role in power system balancing
- Mapping of electricity markets in Denmark and Poland
- Development of business cases (e.g. Power-to-Heat with storage)
________________________________________
Value Proposition
The Alliance provides Danish companies with:
- Direct access to key Polish utilities and decision-makers
- Structured market entry and expansion support
- Visibility and positioning as part of the Danish solution brand
- Insights into regulation, financing, and market developments
- Concrete business opportunities through projects and partnerships
________________________________________
Membership Model
Flexible engagement levels allow companies to choose the right level of involvement:
- Platform: Market insight and network access
- Alliance: Active engagement and opportunity development
- Business Development Partnership: Tailored strategic collaboration
(Custom pricing applies depending on company size and level of engagement.)
________________________________________
Ambition
By 2026, the partnership aims to:
- Position Danish district heating solutions as the preferred choice in Poland
- Build long-term Danish–Polish collaborations
- Drive concrete projects supporting the Polish energy transition
- Create growth and export opportunities for Danish companies
________________________________________
Contact
For more information on how to participate in the Danish–Polish District Heating Alliance, please contact:
DBDH – Danish Board of District Heating
________________________________________
Powered by DBDH in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy in Poland