The Dutch energy demand consists of more than half being the heat requirement of homes, businesses, greenhouses, and industry. Currently, this heat is almost entirely produced by burning natural gas in factories, power plants, homes, offices, and greenhouses. However, there are significant disadvantages to burning natural gas. For example, the Netherlands is becoming increasingly dependent on importing natural gas. At the current rate at which we are extracting natural gas in Groningen, the natural supply in the Netherlands will be depleted within a few decades. Additionally, the emissions from burning natural gas contribute to climate change. Therefore, drastically reducing the use of natural gas is an urgent part of the pathway to achieving the policy goal of a sustainable energy supply. But how?
2016
Research by design
client
College van Rijksadviseurs (CRA), Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milieu
programme
Heat networks
Geothermal wells
Geothermal wells
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Heat Sources
While the demand for heat is enormous, certain regions, such as South Holland, also have a surplus of heat from the petrochemical industry, power plants, and waste incineration plants. Currently, some of this heat is being utilized through urban heating networks. However, there is ongoing debate about the sustainability of this "coal heat," and its future availability is uncertain. Should we therefore abandon the development of heating networks? On the contrary. There is another, far more sustainable and cost-efficient heat source that can utilize the same infrastructure: geothermal energy. This involves pumping hot water from depths of 2 to 4 kilometers.
Geothermal Energy
Based on current knowledge of the subsurface and drilling, geothermal energy seems capable of meeting the heating needs of a large part of the Netherlands! Compared to smaller-scale solutions, such as solar water heaters and heat pumps, it is by far the most cost-effective form of heat generation (euros/PJ). Geothermal energy also has another major advantage: its visible spatial impact is minimal. Therefore, unlike wind energy, for example, there is likely to be little public resistance to it, making large-scale implementation feasible.
Dutch Smart Thermal Grid
In the coming years, regional "smart thermal grids" will emerge in parts of the Netherlands where the supply and demand for residual heat and geothermal energy are closely aligned. In the second phase, heating networks will also be established in regions where well-insulated pipelines can transport residual and geothermal heat over longer distances. Gradually, a nationwide, robust heating network will form, where a diverse range of parties can both supply and consume heat: the "Dutch Smart Thermal Grid."
"Slowly but surely, a nationwide, robust heat network will emerge where a wide variety of parties can supply and consume heat: Dutch Smart Thermal Grid."
