West Maas en Waal launches first feasibility study into heat network

This month, the municipality of West Maas en Waal is launching a feasibility study into a heat network in a neighborhood in Beneden-Leeuwen. It is the first neighborhood in the municipality where research is being conducted into whether a heat network is a suitable and affordable way to heat homes sustainably, without natural gas.

The study is part of the municipality's ambition to be natural gas-free by 2050 at the latest. "We want to work with residents and partners to find alternatives that suit the neighborhood," says Marieke van den Boom, alderwoman for sustainability. "We see a heat network as a potentially good alternative to natural gas in this neighborhood. But first, we will thoroughly investigate whether it is technically and financially feasible."

No decision, but exploration

The municipality emphasizes that this is an exploratory study. No decision has yet been made about the construction of a heat network. The study will map out the possibilities and costs. The impact on the neighborhood will also be investigated.

In conversation with residents

The municipality considers it important to keep residents well informed and involved in this process. Residents of this neighborhood have now been informed about this feasibility study. Municipal employees will soon be present in the neighborhood to answer questions. They will also visit a number of addresses to engage in conversation. In addition, residents can share their opinions and concerns via a questionnaire.

The rest of the municipality will follow later.

"We are going to work step by step to find alternatives to natural gas in our villages," says Marieke van den Boom. "These are long processes. Naturally, we will involve the residents in this."

More information on the website

At westmaasenwaal.nl/warmtenet, residents can find more information about the heat network, the research, and how they can contribute their ideas.