Award categories
The award categories have been defined by the Chairman, Dr Robin Wiltshire, and approved by the evaluation panel.
For the purposes of these Awards, the term District Energy (DE) shall be understood to encompass both district heating and cooling systems and solutions. Accordingly, submissions relating to either or both applications fall within the scope of the Awards.
The Panel reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to confer two awards where it determines that submissions of exceptional merit have been received in distinct areas of District Energy. This provision may be applied where outstanding entries representing heating-based and cooling-based approaches each warrant separate recognition.
Applicants can submit their entries to any of the following categories:
NEW SCHEME
Recognises that the establishment of a successful new District Energy system is an accomplishment that will have involved an exciting vision and a committed team to bring it to fruition.
It will have allowed deploying state-of-the-art techniques and equipment that lead to a highly efficient network.
ELIGIBILITY
This category is available to systems which are in operation for a maximum of three (3) years and which are demonstrably operational and have the potential to demonstrate a positive energy performance over at least the next 10 years.
TRANSITION
This category rewards the District Energy system that most successfully transitions to more effective and efficient operation. This may include major improvements to systemic efficiency; to distribution system operations or parameters; or shifts towards greater utilisation of local, renewable and/or waste energy sources. It could involve modifications to the system like steam to hot water conversions, conversion to low temperature operation, or use of natural refrigerants, etc.). Transitions may encompass technical, managerial, or operational aspects, or a combination of these. They will often be enshrined as part of an overall modernisation and/or expansion programme.
ELIGIBILITY
Available to systems which have been in operation for at least three (3) years. The transition measures must be in operation for at least six (6) months.
SECTOR COUPLING
Sector coupling involving District Energy is a cornerstone of achieving a future integrated low-carbon energy system, extending the potential use of low-temperature heat sources and fulfilling a balancing role for electricity grids. Projects that have specifically integrated a District Energy system with another energy and/or enabling technology may be recognised under the “Sector Coupling” category. There should be measurable and significant synergies to the energy vectors involved.
ELIGIBILITY
The system is preferably in operation or at least under construction with a set commercial operation date.
EMERGING DISTRICT ENERGY MARKET
It can be especially challenging to implement a district energy system in a country which does not yet have a mature market for this technology. Emerging district energy markets can be found in countries with advanced or fully developed economies, with otherwise well-established energy infrastructure. They can also be found in countries with developing economies, typically characterised by lower income levels, less industrialisation, and limited infrastructure.
ELIGIBILITY
The system must be demonstrably operational and based in an emerging District Energy market. An emerging District Energy market refers to a country or region that is experiencing district heating and/or cooling growth and development, transitioning from low shares to higher shares of district energy in the energy mix.
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Applications for the Bangkok 2027 edition open September 2026. Get familiar with the questions now so you’re ready on day one.
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