Cooperation as a Key Driver of the Heat Transition: Successful Future Heat Highway Workshop in Linz
Around 60 experts from industry, energy utilities, research institutions, and public administration gathered in Linz on 18 June 2026 to discuss the potential of industrial waste heat and the importance of cross-company cooperation for achieving a climate-neutral heat supply.
These questions were at the centre of the Future Heat Highway Workshop, held as part of the NEFI project of the same name at the OÖNachrichten Forum in Linz. Organised by Business Upper Austria, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange among companies, research institutions, energy utilities and public authorities.
The workshop opened with an introduction by Simon Moser (Energy Institute at JKU), who outlined the potential of cross-company cooperation for the utilisation of industrial waste heat. Marie-Theres Holzleitner-Senck (Energy Institute at JKU) presented the current legal framework in relation to the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), while Christoph Kolmer (Office of the Upper Austrian Government) explored the interface between waste heat utilisation and water law.
Several successful practical examples provided valuable insights into real-world implementation. Particular attention was given to the HEATLINK project, which emerged from the Future Heat Highway initiative. Stefanie Hagemann (LAT Nitrogen) and Simon Glaser (LINZ AG) demonstrated how industrial waste heat could be integrated into Linz’s district heating network in the future. Additional case studies were presented by Günter Hochrathner (Smurfit Westrock Nettingsdorf AG & Co KG), who discussed district heating supply in Nettingsdorf, and Jakob Lugmayr (Bernegger GmbH), who highlighted the potential of industrial waste heat utilisation at the Enns Raw Materials Park.
A key feature of the event was the interactive workshop session. Participants jointly analysed common challenges in establishing cooperation models and consortia. Discussions highlighted that, alongside technical feasibility, clear responsibilities, transparent communication and stable organisational structures are critical factors for the long-term success of collaborative heat supply solutions.
The Future Heat Highway Workshop clearly demonstrated the significant potential of cross-sector collaboration to advance the heat transition. At the same time, it became evident that the successful utilisation of industrial waste heat requires close cooperation between industry, energy providers, research organisations and public authorities. The intensive exchange of ideas and the many practical examples presented delivered valuable inspiration for future projects and strengthened dialogue among the various stakeholders.
About Future Heat Highway
The NEFI project Future Heat Highway develops concepts for the cross-sector utilisation of industrial waste heat and its integration into regional heating networks. Its objective is to accelerate the decarbonisation of heat supply through new cooperation models and innovative technologies.