District Heating Network
The municipality is exploring ways to provide sustainable, natural gas-free heating in the future. As part of this effort, we are launching a feasibility study into the potential for a district heating network in a section of Beneden-Leeuwen. The area in question is located north of Zandstraat and west of Molenlaan and Ringkade. It is not yet known which homes will ultimately be connected; that is part of the study.
Why are we exploring the possibility of a district heating network specifically for this neighborhood?
This neighborhood is located right next to a cold storage facility. We are investigating whether we can use the excess heat from the facility to heat homes. In addition, this neighborhood is close to the Waal River. We can therefore also explore aquathermal energy as a heat source.
What is a district heating network?
A district heating network is a network of underground pipes that carries water from a renewable source to homes. This could be, for example, waste heat from a factory or water from a river. This water is used to heat homes and provide hot water. It is an alternative to natural gas heating.
Why this study?
The Netherlands aims to be natural gas-free by 2050. In our municipality, too, we are taking steps toward greater sustainability. We will explore the possibilities on a village-by-village and neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. This is the first feasibility study we are conducting. We are investigating whether a district heating network is a feasible and affordable solution. This is a feasibility study, so we are not making any decisions about implementation at this time.
What are we going to investigate?
We are examining several factors. These include: the heat source, the infrastructure, and the delivery within the home.
- When it comes to the heat source, we are exploring ways to efficiently generate hot water. We are doing this by engaging in discussions with the cold storage facility, the Department of Public Works, and the water board.
- When it comes to infrastructure, we’re looking at the space available underground. We’re also assessing what types of pipes we need to install underground and whether they’re affordable.
- When it comes to the delivery, we are primarily looking into which legal structure is the best fit. The municipality will certainly have to play a role in this, but we will determine exactly how that will work.
The study is expected to continue until the summer of 2027. By then, we will know whether a district heating network is technically and financially feasible. We are committed to keeping costs as low as possible for residents. We will keep the residents of this neighborhood regularly informed about the progress.
Who decides whether it goes ahead?
There are many so-called “go/no-go” moments. The municipal council the mayor and aldermen can approve the project or halt the process at various stages. We hope that the first “go/no-go” moment will take place this summer. In addition, the neighborhood residents will play a major role in determining whether the district heating network goes ahead. After all, if no one wants to connect to it, the district heating network cannot be built.