Fossil fuels contribute to global warming. Thats why we want to get rid of them. However, the process is not fast enough due to the lack of national guidelines and the unwillingness of commercial parties to invest. Therefore, we are taking a different approach to the heat transition in Amsterdam. We want to heat as many homes as possible without natural gas in the shortest time possible. This way, we can reduce CO2 emissions as quickly as possible. There are various ways to achieve this. You can read where we currently stand and what plans we have here.
New homes have not been allowed to be connected to natural gas since 2018. However, most existing homes in Amsterdam are still connected to natural gas. These 400,000 existing homes are more difficult to make gas-free. This is not only because Amsterdam is built up above ground. There are also many cables and pipes underground. Switching to a gas-free heating solution is complicated. We are examining how best to make each neighborhood or type of house gas-free. For this, we are collaborating with housing corporations, heating companies, network operator Liander, owners associations (vve’s), and residents.
Heat Pumps
For 110,000 homes, we already know that an electric or hybrid heat pump is a good and affordable solution. The great thing about this is that it can be done quickly, meaning these homes can soon be freed from natural gas. This allows us to save CO2 quickly. In various neighborhoods in Nieuw-West and Noord, we advise and assist residents with suitable homes in transitioning to a gas-free solution. We will further expand these activities and explore whether we can connect more homes to the heating network.
Heating Networks
A collective heating network, also known as district heating, is a good solution for many neighborhoods. This requires little space in homes and outdoor areas. The water is centrally heated and comes via underground pipes to buildings and homes. Unfortunately, we must temporarily pause the construction of these heating networks. We cannot promise that residents energy bills will be the same or lower than with natural gas. We are waiting for clarity from the government regarding the conditions for this, such as legislation and financing.
However, we will continue to support smaller affordable heating network projects and residents initiatives to establish their own heating corporations.
Public Heating Company
We are exploring whether we can start a public heating company with partners. National regulations are needed for this. The government is working on it. We are currently exploring possibilities together with EBN and Liander. This will improve the prospects for collective heating networks.
More Insulation, Less Energy Consumption
Since 2023, we have already made many homes more energy-efficient by insulating them. An insulated home uses up to 30 percent less gas and thus emits less CO2. Where necessary, more money is being invested per home than we did before.