Zoetermeer investigates with Dunea (Warmte&Koude) whether collective heat network Binnenstad is possible
Wednesday, July 16, alderman Bouke Velzen (energy transition and sustainability) and director Wim Drossaert (Dunea Warmte&Koude) signed a letter of intent to investigate the possibility of a collective heat and cold network in the Inner City. This heat and cold network could provide sustainable heat and cooling to both new and existing buildings. This study will also include whether cooperation between the municipality and Dunea Warmte & Koude in a collective heat company is possible, so that the construction and use of these sources can be better coordinated.
Sustainable heating in 2040
Zoetermeer wants to be natural gas-free by 2040. There will be 3,000 new homes in the inner city. These buildings must be heated sustainably. Existing buildings, such as offices and apartment buildings, also need an alternative to natural gas. Currently, each new construction project often chooses its own thermal energy storage (CHP) system. But the more separate systems there are, the more crowded the underground becomes. This leaves less room for other sustainable sources. A collective heat network can solve this. The variant we are investigating uses local soil energy (WKO) and heat (thermal) energy from drinking water (TED - aquathermy).
Alderman Bouke Velzen (energy transition and sustainability) says: "This collaboration is the start of an investigation into whether a heat and cold network is feasible in the Inner City. If successful, we can also make other neighborhoods more sustainable. By taking control of what happens underground, we keep space available for such things as greenery, water collection and accessibility. Not only for now, but also for the future."
Wim Drossaert adds: "In a changed climate, it is becoming increasingly important to collectively set up sustainable sources for heat & cold so that everyone can make use of them. With Dunea Warmte & Koude we want to use Dunea's infrastructure and the available knowledge and expertise as smartly as possible for the heat transition."
Planning
The feasibility study is expected to be completed January 2026. Depending on the outcome, it will be investigated whether a cooperation agreement between Dunea Warmte & Koude and the municipality for the establishment of a heat company is possible. The council will make a decision on this in 2026.
