Netherlands' Rijswijk‑Leiden heat pipeline cleared by Council of State

The Dutch Council of State dismissed objections to the 25‑kilometre underground heat pipeline linking Rijswijk and Leiden, confirming the route for the WarmtelinQ network. The line will transport waste heat from the Rotterdam harbour to local heat networks, serving about 120,000 homes and businesses in the Randstad.

The project, built and operated by state‑owned Gasunie, has already seen sections buried near The Hague and Rijswijk, with construction on the remaining 6.5‑kilometre stretch between Vlaardingen and the Rotterdam industrial area ongoing. Completion is targeted within two years, and future extensions could connect the Westland and Oostland horticultural regions.

Initial cost estimates of €650 million have risen to over €1.1 billion. The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth added nearly €200 million in extra funding, while the province of South Holland declined to provide additional money beyond its pledged €81 million. With the recent adjustments, project sponsors say financing is now sufficient to finish the remaining works.