1. Energy in figures

An energy label for homes is an indicator of how energy efficient a home is.

The label ranges from A to G:

• A means highly energy efficient (green), often with many energy-saving features.
• G means very inefficient (red), usually without energy-saving measures.

The energy label indicates how much energy a home consumes on average and what the potential costs are for heating, electricity, and hot water.

The energy label is determined based on various factors, such as:

• Insulation of walls, roofs, and floors.
• Type and efficiency of heating systems and boilers.
• Presence of solar panels or solar water heaters.
• Type of glass (e.g., double or triple glazing).

A higher energy label (A or B) means lower energy costs and fewer CO₂ emissions.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and contributes to the emission of CO₂ and methane, two powerful greenhouse gases. By phasing out gas, the Netherlands aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Natural gas extraction causes earthquakes and other problems for the local population, particularly in Groningen. Geopolitical tensions are also making it increasingly important to have a sustainable and independent energy network. The goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030. According to the forecast, our municipality will not achieve this and will remain stuck at a 44% reduction in 2030. So there is still a lot of work to be done.

For many households, this means that changes are needed in the way they heat their homes, cook, and generate hot water.

Electric driving has taken off in recent years. This is mainly due to technological improvements, more models, and increasing support from governments. Electric driving provides:

• Lower CO₂ emissions
• Lower energy consumption and costs
• Independence from fossil fuels

There has been a sharp increase in the sale of electric cars worldwide, with Europe and China leading the way. With its extensive charging network and incentive policies, the Netherlands is one of the frontrunners in Europe.

Electric driving is also on the rise in the municipality of West Maas en Waal. The number of electric cars rose from 359 in January 2024 to 479 in December, an increase of 33%. Electric driving contributes to the demand for electricity, especially when many cars are charged at the same time, such as in the evenings. This applies to both households that charge at home and public charging points. In a rural municipality such as ours, a sudden increase in demand can exceed the capacity of the grid. This is also known as grid congestion. Grid congestion is a challenge we will face in the coming years. Sufficient grid capacity is a prerequisite for continuing the trend toward electric driving.

We need to better align our energy consumption with the supply on the electricity grid. For example, by charging electric cars when the sun is shining instead of in the evening when it is dark and windless.

In the municipality, 56% of homes have solar panels on their roofs. That is considerably more than the Dutch average (33%). With 56%, we are the municipality with the most solar panels on roofs in Gelderland and number 7 in the Netherlands. (Source: Regional climate monitor)

The energy desk provides residents with independent and personalized advice on energy saving and generating energy at home.
The energy desk provides, among other things: 

• personalized advice via email, phone, or at home
• information about energy labels, financing, and subsidies
• a housing file that gives you quick insight into sustainability options
• Checklists for requesting and evaluating quotes
• joint purchasing initiatives for insulation and solar panels

Over the past year, the energy desk has reached 324 new households. The energy coaches visited 57 homes to provide sustainability advice.

Resident Frans also made use of the energy desk. He visited the energy desk for information and attended several webinars, including the webinar on heat pumps.

I found that webinar interesting to watch. You can learn useful things from it when you're trying to find your way around.

The family now has 30 solar panels on the house and shed, a hybrid heat pump, an electric boiler, new insulated front and rear facades, a new insulated dormer window, an induction hob, and Frans is currently insulating the attic. The advantage is that he does a lot himself: "I'm very handy.
Although I always have to say that myself," he says with a laugh.

Help from EnergieVitaal

EnergieVitaal is a separate program run by the energy desk for people on low incomes who live in poorly insulated homes. EnergieVitaal provides free advice and offers free measures. Over the past year, EnergieVitaal has helped 299 people.

Energy coaches

The energy coaches are an enthusiastic group of gentlemen who visit residents on behalf of the energy desk. With a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, the energy coach assesses the possibilities for making homes more sustainable. The four gentlemen enjoy doing this and are happy to help.

Last year, various subsidies were available for making your home more sustainable.

The largest subsidy pot in 2024 was the NIP subsidy. NIP stands for National Insulation Program. The aim of this subsidy is to encourage more people to insulate their homes. The subsidy is also available to DIY enthusiasts and amounts to a maximum of €1,925.

In 2024, the NIP subsidy was applied for 83 times. The total budget is sufficient for 340 households. In 2024, we have already paid out 24% of the budget.

The sustainability loan for non-profit organizations was applied for once in 2024. This loan can be used, for example, to make an association building energy efficient. Possible measures include solar panels, window or roof insulation, or heat pumps.

The future-proof housing loan was applied for 24 times in 2024. This loan is for homeowners who want to save energy or make their home more sustainable. The loan can also be used for lifetime-proof measures, such as creating a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom on the ground floor.

In 2015, 195 countries agreed to take action to limit global warming to no more than two degrees Celsius. To achieve this, CO2 emissions must be reduced, among other things. In 2019, the Dutch government presented the Dutch implementation of the international climate agreements. Since then, we in the Netherlands have been working in a partnership of 30 RES regions on regional studies to determine where and how sustainable electricity can best be generated on land using wind and solar energy. Research is also being conducted into which heat sources can be used so that neighborhoods and buildings can be disconnected from natural gas. On July 1, 2021, all 30 RES regions submitted their plans to the National RES Program.

Document and collaboration

Res is a document and a collaboration. The document describes how Rivierenland is transitioning to sustainable energy. The document sets out the joint ambition for generating sustainable electricity: 1.2 TWh of sustainable electricity in 2030, generated from wind and solar power. It also examines and identifies which areas in the region are most promising for this purpose. In addition, the document describes the regional opportunities we see for heating our homes in a different way.

West Meuse and Waal

Our municipality is on track to achieve its goals. Our goal was to realize 25 hectares of solar fields by 2030. Permits for three parks have been issued, and construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025. This means we are complying with the agreements made at the regional level.