Together for the most affordable rollout of heat networks

The heat transition, the shift from natural gas to fossil-free alternatives, encompasses multiple solutions. One of these solutions is a sustainable heat network (possibly in combination with an electric heat pump), which provides heating for a building and domestic hot water. This requires new legislation, funding, and sufficiently qualified implementation capacity. Implementation is complex and calls for increased cooperation between public and private parties to accomplish this massive task under socially acceptable conditions.

Invest-NL, in collaboration with BNG and AKD, has developed a discussion paper based on various project experiences, focusing on the organisational and funding setup. The fundamental idea is to shape the desired public control while encouraging private enterprise and capital, with room for local needs and characteristics. This complex interplay must be explicitly organised. It is proposed to organise this through a Regional Heat Management Company (RWB), which, on behalf of (local) public shareholders, manages the required coordination and, in collaboration with heat companies, develops and implements projects. The aim is to mobilise as much professional heat companies and capital as possible during the management and operational phases.

The purpose of this discussion paper is to contribute to a potential solution approach for the realisation of collective heat networks. The initiators invite all parties to respond.