Zuid-Holland officials urge national funding for heat networks

Officials in Zuid-Holland are calling on the Dutch national government to provide immediate funding and regulations for the development of regional heat networks. Approximately 1 million homes in the province could be heated through these collective networks, which utilize geothermal energy or industrial residual heat instead of gas or electric heat pumps.

During the National Heat Congress in Rijswijk, representatives from provincial and municipal governments, grid operators, heat companies, greenhouse horticulture, and housing corporations signed a manifesto. They argue that without billions of euros in government support, the heat transition risks stalling. Arno Bonte, a provincial deputy for energy, stated that every euro invested in a heat network saves two euros on the necessary reinforcement of the electricity grid.

There are currently nearly twenty concrete plans for heat networks in areas including Delft, Leiden, and the Drechtsteden. Local officials, such as Delft Alderman Maaike Zwart, emphasized that financial support is essential to ensure heat remains affordable for users. Additionally, administrators are urging the cabinet to expedite the takeover of large private heat companies to comply with the new Collective Heat Act, which requires heat networks to be more than 50 percent government-owned.