Scandi Divas Annual Event is a hit!

Written by Kamma Holm, Scandi Divas Coordinator

Last month we hosted our annual meeting of the Scandinavian District Heating Divas.

It was great (if tiring!) day which included an inspirational trip to Lisbjerg Power Station as well as a conference. I am deeply grateful that all participants wore their “yes hat” - both when meeting new people and expanding their network in our mixed groups, and also by actively participating in conversations across the board and asking good questions.

I am grateful to Kredsløb team who gave insights into their waste-to-energy plant and carbon capture processes, as well as their recycling center where there is room for both business and private use, and where several of the participants took the opportunity to "clunk" legally in the form of direct recycling.

I am grateful that strong women from the top management of some of our major suppliers, advisors and companies chose to stand up and share their career paths and role models. Thank you Astrid Nørgaard Friis, Group Vice President at Grundfos, Louise Høst, CEO at Fjernvarme Fyn and Pernille Blach Hansen, Senior Vice President at NIRAS. Thanks too to Anne Seth Madsen, Vice Chairman of Hinnerup District Heating and Trine Saaby, Chairman of Sæby District Heating who stood up and shared their experiences about being women on boards, about pathways onto boards and about how we can all take it upon ourselves to work for increased diversity in both age and gender in the boardroom.

I’m also deeply grateful that #hWwfrw0es political spokesperson and Energy spokesperson Signe Munk prioritized us in a busy calendar and ended the day with a pep talk. Signe shared how proud she is of Danish district heating's role in the green transition and how she sees district heating as an important piece in the supply of the future. It requires "everyone on deck", and a larger recruitment base does not come by itself. The District Heating Divas therefore received Signes’ full support - including the name! 😉. Signe concluded by noting that even though she appreciates talking to everyone, it was nice to see a room full of women because it gave a more nuanced picture of the district heating sector.

Finally, I am grateful because important players in the sector showed their support by sponsoring the event. Thank you to BDO for the wonderful setting and catering during the conference, to Dansk Fjernvarme for sponsoring our dinner in BDO's canteen, to E.ON i Danmark, Horten Advokatpartnerselskab, COWI for gifts to the participants. Thanks to Jesper Voldgaard for the nice group photo (I didn't really get to take any myself) and to the whole working group behind - without you we would not have created this 💗