From 26 to 28 November, HEATEXPO 2024 showed again that it is an indispensable forum for everyone involved in the move to renewable heating, with an impressive 50% growth in exhibitor numbers and a consistently high international contingent of 20% from eleven European countries. HEATEXPO also provided key subject-matter inspiration for future net zero heating with practical solutions, best practice examples and discussion forums.

Dortmund, 3 December 2024 – The second HEATEXPO followed on seamlessly from last year's inaugural show. As a central meeting point for the industry, the show covered all major aspects of the heating transition – from heat generation and supply, all the way from infrastructure and grids to digitalisation and capital investments. The HEATEXPO FORUM featured valuable presentations and panel discussions on tomorrow’s heating. The new Local Government Campus, specially developed to meet the needs of local authorities, aroused particular interest. Representatives from cities, municipalities and non-metropolitan districts were able to discuss specific issues relating to heat planning and obtain practical assistance. In addition, the KLIMA.FORUM organised by KlimaDiskurs.NRW expanded the show's programme, focusing discussion on the future roles of electricity, hydrogen and existing gas grids in the provision of heating. The Geothermal Energy theme zone, organised by the German Geothermal Energy Association, addressed the overall environment and the potential available in North Rhine Westphalia.

Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe which owns and operates the Messe Dortmund venue, took a very upbeat view of the way things went, saying: “HEATEXPO has shown it's playing a key role in shaping the move to renewable heating. The growth in exhibitor numbers and the great response from Germany and abroad confirm the high demand for a forum that visualises innovative solutions and brings the relevant players together. With features like the Local Government Campus and the specific subject-matter forums, we're creating the necessary space for finding answers to the key challenges facing the industry.”

Major support from policy-makers and associations

The support from policy-makers and industry associations highlights the importance of HEATEXPO. In addition to the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development & Construction, numerous partners such as the show's conceptual sponsor the Municipal Enterprises Association (VKU), VDMA Power Systems (part of the German Engineering Federation), the German Urban Municipalities' Convention, the German Local Government Confederation (DStGB), the German Association of Non-Metropolitan Districts, the Rhineland & Westphalia branch of the German Housing & Real Estate Industry Association (VdW), the Association for the Economical Use of Energy and Water (ASEW) and the German Geothermal Energy Association contributed greatly to the success of the show.

Ingbert Liebing, Chief Executive of the Municipal Enterprises Association, conceptual sponsor of HEATEXPO, praised the way the show's content has evolved, saying: “Even after its second show, HEATEXPO has already established itself as the central forum for discussions concerning the transition to renewable heating. The partnership with Messe Dortmund has once again produced to an ideal forum for discussing pressing issues relating to the provision of heating, and for presenting leading-edge solutions. We've been especially pleased with the broad interest shown by local authorities and trade visitors, reflected in the numerous discussions at our Municipal Enterprises Association stand and throughout the show. HEATEXPO is not just ultra-relevant, but also homes in on exactly those areas where the industry is seeking answers – making it a key driving force in the quest for socially acceptable ways to make our secure heating systems carbon-neutral.”

Highlights of HEATEXPO 2024

One of the many highlights of the three-day show was the new Danish Pavilion supported by the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH) and the Trade Council of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Best-practice examples from Denmark, a pioneer in the move to renewable heating, presented innovative approaches to the use of district heating.

In Denmark's second-largest city, Aarhus, the development of the district heating system is making great strides – from the old coal-fired power stations to an integrated fourth-generation heating system. In the discussion panel, experts discussed the future of sustainable heat supplies: l. to r.: Elsebeth Arendt (Kredsløb), Steen Schelle Jensen (Kamstrup), Ronak Monga (Grundfos), Andreas Beha (Innargi). The panel was chaired by Anders Laier (Consulate General of Denmark – The Trade Council, Hamburg).

HEATEXPO inspires exhibitors and trade visitors

HEATEXPO 2024 was not just convincing in terms of content, but also met with a positive response from exhibitors and trade visitors. In an independent survey, an impressive 91% of exhibitors said their expectations of the show were met or exceeded. The long-term outlook is especially pleasing, with over 92% of respondents rating their company's willingness to participate in future HEATEXPO shows as 'high' to 'very high'.

Another indicator of the show's success is the growing number of repeat visitors, with 92% of trade visitors at the venue signalling their intention to attend future events – a significant increase on last year’s figure (2023: just under 80%). Overall, the show also attracted an international audience, including visitors from the Benelux countries, Denmark, the Baltic states and Austria. Especially worthy of note was the high visitor quality, with over 81% stating that they were involved in their company's purchasing and procurement decisions. This underlines how important HEATEXPO is as a forum for strategic partnerships and business dealings all along the heating value chain.

Looking forward to HEATEXPO 2025

The next HEATEXPO will be held in Messe Dortmund between 25 and 27 November 2025. With the clear aim of advancing the move to renewable heating, the show will once again act as a driving force and a platform for innovation.

Voices of exhibitors and partners at HEATEXPO 2024

Knud Strauchmann, Sales Director, Böhmer GmbH

‘HEATEXPO 2024 was a complete success for us. As a supplier that focuses on long-term contacts, the trade fair offered ideal conditions for networking and strategic discussions. The many international discussions we were able to hold were particularly pleasing. The integration of the supporting programme into the trade fair also helped to promote dialogue between the participants and make the exchange more lively. We are confident that HEATEXPO will continue to grow in the coming years.’

Michael Lüdeke, General Manager, Energieanlagen Greifswald GmbH

‘HEATEXPO was a great opportunity to make valuable contacts with municipal administrations and utility companies, which will open up new projects for us in the coming years. The topic of heat utilisation in industry in particular aroused great interest and offers immense potential for future cooperation. The event was excellently organised and we are already looking forward to the next trade fair!’

Paul Ross, Business Development Manager, Danfoss GmbH

‘This is the second time Danfoss has participated in HEATEXPO and we are very pleased that we were able to reach our target group. This trade fair is the only trade fair for district heating technology, and the highlight is the high-quality contacts and the expert discussions with decision-makers. We quickly achieve important results here. Our leads are well filled - we'd love to come back!’

Lard Hummelmose, Managing Director, Danish Board of District Heating

‘As an international umbrella organisation, we have set ourselves the goal of finding partners for our companies on the German market. In particular, we focussed on ministries, municipal utilities and planning offices. The German market is the most important in the whole of Europe and is therefore a top priority for international companies. Our participation in this trade fair is crucial in order to position ourselves in this key market. An outstanding feature of HEATEXPO is the integration of the congress programme into the trade fair, which creates particular added value for both areas - a connection that we often do not experience in international contexts. We would particularly like to emphasise the high quality of the target group: HEATEXPO visitors form a highly professional and relevant specialist audience that provides our companies with valuable contacts and discussions.’

Timo Ritzinger, Project Manager Corporate Marketing, GP JOULE GmbH

‘The topics and focus of HEATEXPO are extremely exciting and are right at the heart of the times. It is particularly pleasing that we are meeting the right target group here, such as local authorities and municipal utilities. A lot has happened since the premiere - above all, the focussing of the topics has become even more tailored.’ 

André Pieper, Managing Partner, OVE Objekt-Versorgung mit rationellem Energieeinsatz GmbH & Co. KG

‘It's extremely exciting to be able to experience the various solutions for the heat transition here at HEATEXPO. Last year we were here as visitors, but this year we decided to take part as exhibitors ourselves. It was a pleasure to present our services to property developers and market participants. We are definitely planning to be back next year.’

Philipp Schlosser, Marketing Manager Germany, isoplus Fernwärmetechnik GmbH

‘It's impressive how HEATEXPO has grown compared to last year - both in terms of visitor numbers and exhibitors. We particularly enjoyed the get-together, which provided a great opportunity for networking. We are already looking forward to next year.’

Florian Kröger, Managing Director, SKG Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG

‘The unique thing about HEATEXPO is that the exhibitors form the heart of the trade fair and take centre stage. This focussing enables us to present our solutions in the best possible way. It is impressive to see how the trade fair has developed since its premiere. In addition to regional participants, it is increasingly attracting international trade visitors. We are looking forward to exhibiting again next year.’

Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director, Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), conceptual sponsor of HEATEXPO

‘Now in its second edition, HEATEXPO has already established itself as the central platform for discussions on the heating transition. The partnership with Messe Dortmund has once again created ideal conditions for discussing pressing issues relating to heat supply and presenting forward-looking solutions. We were particularly pleased with the broad interest shown by local authorities and trade visitors, which was reflected in the numerous discussions at our VKU stand and throughout the trade fair. HEATEXPO not only hits the nerve of the times, but also addresses exactly where the industry is looking for answers and is therefore an important driving force for the climate-neutral and socially acceptable transformation of our secure heat supply.’

NEXT DATE:

25 to 27 November 2025

EVENT ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund

EXHIBITORS:

more than 150 exhibitors from 11 nations

TARGET VISITOR GROUPS:

Energy suppliers, plant operators, municipal utilities, industrial businesses, architects and planners, pipeline constructors, housing associations, neighbourhood developers, investors, policy-makers and local government authorities

VISITORS:

3,350 participants

CONCEPTUAL SPONSOR:
Municipal Enterprises Association (VKU)

TECHNICAL PARTNERS:

• Association for the Economical Use of Energy and Water (ASEW)
• Association of German Cities (Deutscher Städtetag)
• German Local Government Confederation (DStGB)
• Association for the Economical Use of Energy and Water (ASEW)
• German County Association
• Rhineland & Westphalia Housing & Real Estate Industry Association (VdW Rhineland & Westphalia)