Midden-Drenthe and Woonservice join forces to phase out natural gas by 2050
Residents of Midden-Drenthe may soon benefit from sustainable and affordable heating as the municipality and housing corporation Woonservice team up to explore a district heating network. This collaboration aims to eliminate natural gas use by 2050, aligning with national climate goals.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | Municipality of Midden-Drenthe, Woonservice (housing corporation) |
| Goal | Sustainable home heating, phasing out natural gas by 2050 |
| Potential Solution | District heating network using residual heat from Attero |
| Areas Under Research | Beilen, parts of Hoogeveen, and Assen |
| Affordability Focus | Ensuring heating remains affordable for residents |
| Next Steps | Feasibility study for district heating network in Beilen |
The Municipality of Midden-Drenthe is responsible for local policy implementation, including sustainability initiatives like transitioning away from natural gas. Woonservice, as a housing corporation, manages rental properties and plays a key role in ensuring these homes meet future energy standards.
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Woonservice and Municipality of Midden-Drenthe Take Step Towards Sustainable Home Heating
March 19 - The Municipality of Midden-Drenthe and housing corporation Woonservice have signed a declaration of intent to collaborate on making home heating in Midden-Drenthe more sustainable. Alderman Jan Schipper and Janneke Klijn, interim managing director of Woonservice, put their signatures to this important step toward a future without natural gas.
With the declaration of intent, both parties agree to work together long-term on sustainable heating solutions. Connecting rental homes to a potential future district heating network is a key part of this effort.
Alderman Jan Schipper: "This declaration of intent is a great first step and shows that we are working with Woonservice to create a natural gas-free Midden-Drenthe. This step will allow us to provide many residents with sustainable heating that is also affordable and will remain so."
Janneke Klijn, interim managing director of Woonservice: "We face a major challenge to heat all our homes without natural gas by 2050. A district heating network could be a good solution. Affordability and comfort for our tenants are always our top priorities. That’s why we are happy to explore the possibilities together with the municipality."
A Sustainable Midden-Drenthe
By 2050, the Netherlands must no longer emit any greenhouse gases. This means that by 2050, all homes in the Municipality of Midden-Drenthe must be heated sustainably and without natural gas. For Woonservice, this also means that all rental homes must be completely natural gas-free by then.
District Heating Network as a Possible Solution
A district heating network is a system of underground pipes through which hot water flows. This water is used to heat homes and buildings. The heat comes from residual heat generated by waste processing company Attero. There is enough residual heat to supply parts of Hoogeveen, Beilen, and Assen with heating.
In Midden-Drenthe, research is underway to determine whether a district heating network is feasible in part of Beilen. It is not yet certain that this network will be implemented. In addition, the solution must remain affordable for residents. Only if the district heating network proves to be technically feasible and affordable can the next step be taken.