Groningen Moves Forward with Plans for a Large-Scale Heating Network
Publicly owned system aims to provide affordable heat to 80,000 homes using industrial residual heat.
A major step has been taken towards a sustainable future for Groningen as local governments and energy companies have signed a cooperation agreement to develop a large-scale heating network. This network could provide 80,000 homes and buildings with sustainable heat, significantly reducing the region's reliance on natural gas.
The project is a joint effort by the province of Groningen, the municipalities of Groningen, Het Hogeland, and Eemsdelta, as well as Groningen Seaports, WarmteStad, Gasunie, and Enpuls. Together, they are investigating the feasibility of the heating network and how best to implement it.
Using Residual Heat from Industry
A key component of this project is the use of residual heat from industrial areas in Eemshaven and Delfzijl. Currently, a large amount of heat produced by industrial processes is wasted, escaping into the air or the Wadden Sea. The proposed heating network would capture this excess heat and transport it through an underground system to homes and buildings.
By repurposing waste heat, the project not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also prevents further strain on the electricity grid. As more households transition to electric heating solutions such as heat pumps, power demand is increasing, leading to potential grid overload. A heating network offers a more balanced, sustainable alternative by providing direct heating without additional electricity consumption.
Public Ownership to Keep Prices Affordable
Unlike private energy companies, the heating network will be fully owned by public organisations. This ensures that heating prices remain fair and affordable, as the project is not driven by profit.
The city of Groningen has already gained experience with a fully public heating network in areas such as Paddepoel, where residential buildings are connected to a similar system. This project serves as a model for expanding the heating network across the region.
Challenges and the Need for Government Support
While feasibility studies have shown that the heating network could be a viable solution for many villages and cities, success depends on strong cooperation and financial backing from the national government. Key challenges include:
Infrastructure development: Building the necessary pipes and distribution networks.
Agreements between stakeholders: Ensuring smooth coordination between heat suppliers, transporters, and end users.
Government funding and policy support: The Hague's financial and legislative backing will be crucial for the project's success.
A Step Towards a Natural Gas-Free Groningen
The project aligns with Groningen’s broader goal of becoming natural gas-free by 2035. The region has long been affected by the consequences of gas extraction, including earthquakes and environmental damage. Transitioning to sustainable heating will not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also help secure a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Provincial executive Johan Hamster emphasized the importance of this initiative:
"Together we are working towards a natural gas-free future, providing Groningen with affordable and sustainable heating while also protecting our power grid."
Next Steps
With the cooperation agreement now in place, the next phase involves developing a concrete plan for implementing the heating network. If successful, thousands of households across Groningen could soon benefit from clean, cost-effective heating, marking a major milestone in the region’s energy transition.