Leiden region takes major step towards sustainable heating with new public heat network
Six municipalities in the Leiden region have joined forces to establish a public heat company, aiming to provide sustainable heating for up to 100,000 households and businesses by 2050. This move marks a significant step in phasing out natural gas and reducing carbon emissions.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipalities Involved | Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, Zoeterwoude |
| Partners | National Heat Participation (NDW), Alliander |
| Current Connections | 10,000 households in Leiden, Leiderdorp, and Oegstgeest |
| Future Potential | Up to 100,000 households and businesses |
| Timeline | Preparatory phase starts now; heat company expected to be established in 2027 |
| Goal | Phase out natural gas by 2050 |
| Key Considerations | Financing, affordability for residents, influence of smaller municipalities |
| Website for More Info | Warmte Leidse Regio |
The municipalities involved are responsible for implementing local heat transition programs, which include insulating homes and phasing out natural gas. The central government has delegated more tasks and powers to municipalities but is still expected to provide financial support and favorable conditions for regional heat networks.
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Cooperation agreement for public heat company in Leiden region
Six municipalities, including Zoeterwoude, signed a cooperation agreement yesterday with the National Heat Participation (NDW, a subsidiary of Energie Beheer Nederland) and network company Alliander. In this agreement, they commit to working together on the establishment of a regional public heat company.
The Leiden region aims to stop using natural gas by 2050. A regional heat network will play a key role in this transition. In the Leiden region, around 10,000 households in Leiden, Leiderdorp, and Oegstgeest already have a connection to a heat network. In the future, the public heat company will install and operate the heat network, potentially serving up to 100,000 households and businesses.
Support and key considerations
Over the past few months, the municipal councils of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude, along with NDW and Alliander, have collaborated on the plans. They were able to share their wishes and key considerations. There is broad support for taking the next steps. At the same time, there are also important considerations, particularly regarding the financing of the heat network, affordability for residents, and the influence of smaller municipalities on implementation.
Start of the preparatory phase
The signing of the cooperation agreement marks the beginning of the preparatory phase. During this phase, the plans for the public heat company will be further developed, and the key considerations will be examined in more detail. An important step is the creation of a business plan, which will outline how the heat company will be organized and funded. Once the municipalities, NDW, and Alliander approve this business plan and the necessary financial resources, the heat company can be established. This is expected to happen in 2027.
Municipal heat programs
At the same time, the municipalities are continuing work on their heat programs. These programs detail how municipalities will insulate homes and buildings and transition them off natural gas, which neighborhoods and districts will phase out natural gas over the next ten years, and how they will achieve this. The municipalities will also indicate for which neighborhoods a heat network is the best solution.
Role of the central government
New legislation has given municipalities more tasks and powers in the heat transition. However, the municipalities, NDW, and Alliander believe the central government still has an important role to play. The cabinet must ensure favorable conditions so that the regional heat network can be established. This will require additional financial support.
More information
For more information, visit the website of Warmte Leidse Regio.