On 3 November 2026, Baltic EnerShift (BES) participated in the Interreg Cooperation Day – “Future Baltic Sea 2040”, hosted by Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland. The event offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover complementary project solutions and explore how cross-border cooperation can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient South Baltic Region. The Heweliusz Yard provided a memorable setting for the event. Its Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation, served as a symbolic reminder of a world in constant motion — and the need for new ideas and cooperation to address evolving regional challenges (Fig.1).
From individual projects to shared solutions
The event opened with presentations highlighting the role of Interreg cooperation and the importance of building connections between projects. During the subsequent project speed-dating session, representatives introduced their activities, shared expertise and explored opportunities to combine solutions across different sectors (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Project speed-dating session (Source: IMP PAN)
BES participated alongside its sister project DecarbonDHS, demonstrating how their activities complement one another. While DecarbonDHS explores technological and strategic pathways towards decarbonising district heating, BES focuses on the digital transformation of district heating systems through solutions for grid optimisation, sector coupling and customer integration. These complementary approaches can help district heating operators improve energy efficiency, increase flexibility and integrate renewable energy and other low-carbon heat sources more effectively. The discussions highlighted the wider value of connecting projects working on energy transition, digitalisation, sustainable cities and circular economy.
Young minds shaping the Future Baltic Sea 2040
Students played an important role in the interactive part of the event. After testing their knowledge in the ‘South Baltic Connection Quiz’, participants joined thematic workshops to imagine what the Baltic Sea Region could look like in 2040 (Fig. 3). Working in teams, they identified challenges, explored existing project solutions and developed new ideas for cross-border cooperation. The topics included energy transition, climate-neutral cities, circular economy, coastal resilience and sustainable communities.
Fig. 3 ‘South Baltic Connection Quiz’ (left) and prof. Adam Cenian, IMP PAN and students during the workshop session of “Future Baltic Sea 2040” event (Source: Katarzyna Bogucka-Bykuć, IMP PAN).
Cooperation as a driver of the energy transition
For Baltic EnerShift, the event underlined the importance of looking beyond individual technologies and projects when addressing the challenges of energy transition. Digital solutions can play an important role in connecting energy sectors, improving the operation of district heating networks and supporting more flexible and efficient energy systems. Their wider impact can be strengthened through cooperation with projects addressing complementary technological, environmental and societal challenges.
The participation of students also demonstrated the value of involving younger generations in discussions about future energy systems and sustainable regional development.
We sincerely thank the organisers – Gdańsk University of Technology, the Interreg South Baltic Programme and Marshal Office of Pomorskie Voivodeship representatives, all participating projects and especially the students for their enthusiasm, creativity and valuable contributions.
Different projects, complementary solutions and a shared vision can help build a smarter, more sustainable South Baltic Region.
Read more: https://southbaltic.eu/future-baltic-sea-2040-south-baltic-projects-connect-for-a-shared-vision/
Photo Gallery (Source: IMP PAN)
