Electric Power
June 04, 2026
Hot n' Cold: Talking efficiency with International District Energy Association
Featuring Samantha Humphreys and Hill Vaden
HIGHLIGHTS
District energy networks heat, cool buildings
CEO Thornton discusses decarbonization role
System aids grid resilience, efficiency goals
District energy uses a centralized network of underground pipes to transport produced steam and hot or chilled water to heat or cool end-use buildings. The model is most commonly found in densely populated and connected environments, such as college campuses, medical centers, or centrally planned residential communities.
International District Energy Association CEO Rob Thornton joins hosts Hill Vaden and Sam Humphreys to discuss the various applications of district energy and why it should be considered an important contributor to meeting decarbonization and grid-resilience goals.
Learn more about International District Energy Association at: https://www.districtenergy.org/about/about-idea
Learn more about S&P Global Energy coverage at: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en
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