Energy for Arnhem shows how Arnhem is making the transition to sustainable energy together with residents and businesses. With the Energy Environment Program, the municipality is taking the next step. The program guides the development of an energy system ready for the future. This way, the municipality works on an energy transition that is feasible and affordable for all Arnhem residents.
Alderman for Sustainability Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “We see the climate and the world around us changing more and more. The way we currently generate, store, and use energy fits less and less every day. That is why we as a city are now facing a major change ourselves. We are working on a clean, affordable, and fair energy system. Local solutions that suit our residents, businesses, and organizations in the city. A new energy system that works for everyone.”
Local solutions
Arnhem has over 150 energy areas. In 45 clusters of energy areas, the municipality looks at which energy system fits best and records this in area energy plans. These plans specify which energy system will be implemented, who does what, what it costs, and how it remains affordable for everyone. Arnhem is the first large municipality in the Netherlands to tackle the energy transition integrally, locally, and together with Arnhem residents and companies.
The Arnhem energy transition will take place in 3 phases. In each phase, one third of the energy area clusters will be addressed. Until 2035, the municipality will start working in the first 17 areas. Together with residents and businesses, plans will be made here for a future-proof energy system. Existing initiatives are also taken into account.
Fair and just energy transition
Arnhem consciously chooses an energy transition that is fair, solidary, and affordable for everyone. The municipality uses as many local energy sources as possible, pays attention to those who have difficulties, and ensures that no one is excluded. The benefits and opportunities of the transition are fairly distributed across the city.
The municipality takes the lead, but the program is made together with Arnhem residents, businesses, housing corporations, network operators, and other partners. The Citizen Council for Sustainable Warm Living also provided valuable advice. Cathelijne Bouwkamp: “We must make the transition to a just and sustainable energy system together with the Arnhem residents. Our residents, businesses, and organizations are indispensable; after all, they know best what is good for the city.”
Four pillars for the energy system of the future
The plans for Arnhem’s energy system of the future focus on 4 pillars. Conscious energy use is the first pillar. This concerns how the available energy is handled. Sustainable heating and cooling concerns how heat is provided in winter and cooling in summer. The Mobility pillar concerns the energy supply of, for example, cars and ships in Arnhem. Finally, the Electricity pillar concerns how electricity can be sustainably generated and stored to prevent the Arnhem power grid from becoming overloaded.