LG Electronics at SEE ENERGY 2026: Can Waste Heat Become a New Energy Source for Cities?

Illustration: LG Electronics at SEE ENERGY 2026 | Visual: SERBIO

Energy released daily into the environment by industrial facilities, data centres and cooling systems could become a valuable resource for heating cities. How can large-scale heat pumps transform this untapped energy into useful heat? What lessons can be learned from European experience, and where could these solutions be implemented in Serbia? These are among the key questions LG Electronics will address at SEE ENERGY 2026, taking place on 4–5 November 2026 at Čeličana Cultural Station in Novi Sad's District.

While much of the discussion surrounding the energy transition focuses on developing new solar and wind power plants, energy storage and reducing CO₂ emissions, one significant energy resource often remains overlooked – heat that is already generated by industry but goes unused.

Industrial production processes, cooling systems, data centres and numerous commercial facilities continuously release thermal energy. In many cases, this heat is discharged into the environment, although, with appropriate technology and infrastructure, it could be recovered and used to heat water, buildings or even entire district heating networks.

This is why large-scale heat pumps and waste heat recovery systems are becoming increasingly important in the development of modern energy infrastructure.

From Industrial Waste Heat to Heating Cities

Unlike conventional systems that generate heat by burning fuels, heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from lower-temperature sources and raise it to a temperature suitable for end users. This means that energy which would otherwise be lost can be reintegrated into the energy system.

Potential heat sources include industrial cooling systems, manufacturing processes, data centres, wastewater and other sources of low-temperature thermal energy.

One particularly promising opportunity is connecting industrial and commercial facilities to district heating networks. Under this model, excess heat from one facility can become an energy source for other consumers.

However, successful implementation depends on several factors, including the temperature and continuous availability of the heat source, its distance from consumers, the requirements of the district heating network, electricity prices and overall project economics.

The question is therefore no longer simply whether waste heat can be recovered, but where its application is technically feasible, economically viable and sustainable in the long term.

LG Electronics: Technologies Connecting Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation

At SEE ENERGY 2026 – ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY, taking place on 4–5 November 2026 at Čeličana Cultural Station in Novi Sad's District, LG Electronics will present approaches to implementing these technologies, with particular emphasis on their role in modernising district heating systems.

The topic will be presented by Hanbeom Nam (Daniel Nam), Director for Sales Engineering in LGE Central EU countries, LG Electronics.

The discussion will focus on the application of large-scale heat pumps, the integration of different heat sources and technological solutions that can contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Particular attention will be given to European experience, including examples from Poland, where approaches to modernising district heating infrastructure are being explored and developed.

Such experience is also relevant to markets like Serbia, which have established district heating networks, significant industrial energy consumers and a growing need to improve energy efficiency.

What Does This Mean for Industry and District Heating Operators in Serbia?

The application of large-scale heat pumps raises several important questions for Serbia's energy sector.

For industrial companies, waste heat recovery can offer an opportunity to make better use of energy already paid for through production processes, while reducing overall energy losses.

For district heating operators, integrating new heat sources can contribute to a more diversified energy supply and reduce dependence on a single fuel, provided that the technical characteristics of existing networks allow such integration.

For cities and local authorities, these projects create opportunities to develop energy infrastructure that connects industry, municipal systems and local energy resources.

However, technology is only one part of the solution. Financing, contractual arrangements between heat producers and consumers, year-round availability of heat sources and compatibility with existing infrastructure are equally important.

This is why dialogue between technology providers, industrial consumers, district heating operators, investors and financial institutions is essential to transforming technological potential into concrete projects.

SEE ENERGY 2026: From Technology to Investment Decisions

LG Electronics' participation forms part of the broader programme of SEE ENERGY 2026 – ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY, which places industry at the centre of discussions about the future of energy.

Expert panels will explore solutions for on-site energy generation and management, including gas engines and cogeneration, large-scale heat pumps, smart energy management, solar power plants, battery energy storage systems, waste valorisation and financing energy investments.

The central question of the conference is: How can industry secure more affordable, reliable and cleaner energy over the next three to five years – and how can the necessary investments be financed?

In addition to the conference programme, SEE ENERGY 2026 will feature an exhibition of energy technologies and organised B2B meetings, designed to connect companies with specific energy needs to technology suppliers, engineering companies, investors and financial partners.

The seventh edition of the international SEE ENERGY 2026 conference will take place on 4–5 November 2026 at Čeličana Cultural Station in Novi Sad's District, organised by the National Biomass Association SERBIO.

More information, programme and registration: https://events-serbio.rs/

Energy Net, a long-standing regional leader and partner of SEE ENERGY 2025 – Connect & Supply, brings more than 30 years of experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced systems for energy efficiency, heating, cooling, ventilation, and building automation. Headquartered in Novi Sad, Serbia, the company has grown into one of the most respected names in the region’s energy and building technology sector.

Guided by its mission to create a “better atmosphere in places where people spend time”, Energy Net integrates comfort, technology, and sustainability into every project. Its activities span green construction, sustainable mobility, interior design, and workspace solutions, as well as education, consulting, and human capital development programs aimed at advancing modern business practices and energy management culture.

The company’s focus on energy optimization and intelligent systems positions it at the forefront of the transition toward sustainable development. Through continuous innovation, Energy Net delivers solutions that reduce energy consumption, improve environmental performance, and enhance quality of life.

At the SEE ENERGY 2025 conference, Energy Net will showcase its expertise and present best practices demonstrating how smart systems and integrated technologies contribute to greater efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in both industrial and urban environments.

All registered conference participants will have the opportunity to schedule B2B meetings with Energy Net representatives through the online platform, to explore collaboration possibilities, exchange expertise, and discuss innovative energy efficiency solutions tailored to different sectors.

With its proven track record, professional team, and vision of a greener tomorrow, Energy Net continues to set benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the regional energy and building sectors.

Learn more at www.energynet.rs.

SEE ENERGY 2023, Regional Energy Conference - October, Novi Sad

The two-day regional energy conference with exhibition,  SEE ENERGY- Connect & Supply 2023 will take place on October 2nd and 3rd, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Novi Sad. The conference will focus on topics related to innovation, decarbonization in industry and transportation, energy storage, the electricity market, financing renewable energy projects and green financing, as well as technologies and conditions for implementing heat pumps.

SEE ENERGY platform will gather leading experts, investors, industry representatives, decision-makers, technology manufacturers, consulting firms, governmental, and financial institutions. This regional event provides a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the industry, learn about the latest technologies and policies, and contribute to the further development of sustainable energy.

Plans to Connect 100,000 Buildings Annually to the Urban District Heating Network

Germany is currently facing intense political debate regarding the ban on the use of fossil fuel boilers, which has led to a government coalition dispute. However, this conflict has shifted attention to district heating - vast urban networks of hot water that could play a crucial role in heating the country after 2030.