Almelo to cut CO₂ emissions with new sustainable heat network for 5,500 homes
Residents of Almelo will soon benefit from a sustainable heat network using residual heat from Urenco, reducing reliance on natural gas and cutting CO₂ emissions. The project, a collaboration between local government and businesses, will provide clean heat to homes and major institutions like ZGT hospital.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | Municipality of Almelo, Cogas, Urenco, ETC, ZGT |
| Heat Source | Residual heat from Urenco’s production processes |
| Homes to be Heated | Approximately 5,500 |
| Major Consumers | ZGT (Ziekenhuisgroep Twente), ETC |
| CO₂ Reduction | Significant decrease in emissions |
| Project Lead | Municipality of Almelo (project management and spatial planning) |
| Heat Network Developer | Cogas |
| Subsidies | Available for further sustainability efforts in neighborhoods |
The municipality of Almelo plays a central role in facilitating local sustainability projects, including energy transitions like this heat network. By coordinating policy, spatial planning, and partnerships, it ensures that such initiatives align with broader environmental and urban development goals.
Happy with Openrijk?
We cover server costs and development ourselves. A donation is greatly appreciated.
Read the full translated article below
Almelo and partners sign cooperation agreement for sustainable heat network
The municipality of Almelo, Cogas, Urenco, ETC and ZGT (Ziekenhuisgroep Twente) signed a cooperation agreement on March 18, 2026, for the development of a new sustainable heat network. With this, the parties are taking an important step toward an energy-efficient and future-proof city.
Heat network using residual heat from Urenco
The heat network will utilize residual heat from Urenco's production processes. This heat will soon be transported via pipelines to, among others, ZGT and ETC. As a result, these organizations will be able to operate in the future without natural gas and in a sustainable manner. There is enough heat available to also heat approximately 5,500 homes. This will lead to less CO₂ emissions and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Who does what?
The municipality is responsible for project management and supports policy and spatial planning.
Councillor Margreet Overmeen-Bakhuis: “With this cooperation, we are building a sustainable heat network in Almelo that provides certainty. Together, we are investing in clean heat for now and the future.”
- Cogas will become the heat company and future developer of the network
- Urenco supplies the residual heat that would otherwise be wasted
- ZGT will be a major consumer of heat from the network
- ETC contributes as a technical knowledge partner and explores how its own residual heat or new technologies can be utilized
Why this cooperation is important
Building a heat network is complex. By working together, the partners can:
- utilize residual heat instead of wasting it
- ensure a reliable system for multiple users
- share costs and risks
- accelerate Almelo’s energy transition
This cooperation also offers opportunities to make entire neighborhoods more sustainable, in collaboration with housing corporations and with support from subsidies.
Foundation for the future
Heat networks play a key role in the transition to sustainable energy. They make it possible to efficiently use residual heat and other sustainable sources. With this agreement, the parties are laying a solid foundation for a heat system that Almelo can benefit from for many years to come.