New tool helps Dutch municipalities explore sustainable heating and cooling networks
A new quick scan from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) enables municipalities and energy cooperatives to assess the feasibility of low-temperature heat and cold networks. This innovation supports the transition to sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tool Name | VLT Quick Scan |
| Issued By | Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) |
| Purpose | Assess technical possibilities for VLT networks in specific areas |
| Key Assessment Criteria | Building density, heat sources, insulation quality, cooling needs |
| Target Users | Municipalities, energy cooperatives, interested parties |
| Sustainable Development Goals | Affordable and sustainable energy, sustainable cities, climate action |
| Output | Suitability map and short report for selected areas |
| Limitations | Does not cover costs, revenues, or local specifics |
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) supports sustainable energy transitions by providing tools and resources to municipalities and businesses. This quick scan is part of their efforts to accelerate the adoption of innovative heating and cooling solutions across the Netherlands.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
New quick scan shows where sustainable heat and cold networks are possible
Very low-temperature heat networks (VLT networks) can play an important role in making buildings more sustainable. They lose little heat and can also cool buildings. The new VLT quick scan from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) gives municipalities, energy cooperatives and other interested parties quick insight into the technical possibilities of such a network in a municipality, residential area or neighbourhood.
Why are VLT networks important?
VLT networks transport both heat and cold and store it to heat and cool buildings. They help in the transition to sustainable energy (energy transition). This reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, such as natural gas. As a result, the networks contribute to combating climate change.
3 sustainable development goals
These heat and cold networks are therefore one way to make buildings more sustainable, alongside individual heat pumps, other heat networks and climate-neutral gas.
They support 3 sustainable development goals for 2030:
- affordable and sustainable energy
- sustainable cities and communities
- climate action
How does the VLT quick scan work?
VLT networks are relatively new for existing neighbourhoods and districts. As a result, there is still little knowledge about them. The quick scan helps to quickly assess whether VLT techniques are possible in a specific area.
The quick scan examines 4 aspects per location:
- building density (how many buildings are in the area)
- the size of and distance to possible heat sources
- the average insulation quality of the building envelope (roof, facade, floor and windows)
- how much cooling buildings need. The quick scan looks at this for buildings without residential functions (utility buildings).
A map shows how suitable a location is. Selecting an area with multiple locations produces a short report with information about that area.
The quick scan does not look at costs, revenues or local specifics. It is not a final recommendation. Follow-up research is often needed, for example with the help of an energy advisor.
Getting started with the quick scan
You can quickly get started with the quick scan, even if you know little about VLT networks.