The use of very low temperature heat and cooling networks in existing buildings is still new. They have an important advantage: these new networks can also cool buildings. This makes them more attractive to homeowners due to increasingly warmer summers and better-insulated houses. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) therefore encourages the development of VLT networks with various subsidies.
Homes off Gas
Very low temperature heat and cooling networks (VLT networks) supply a temperature between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius to homes, buildings, or entire neighborhoods. A heat pump then ensures that the home is warm enough. This way, homes can be taken off the gas grid. They also do not need air conditioning to cool if they have the right radiators or underfloor heating.
Solution for a Warming Climate
The main societal advantage of these networks is that they can cool sustainably and efficiently. Therefore, they are an important solution in the increasingly warmer summers in the Netherlands and for better-insulated houses. Cooling homes in the summer may become just as important as heating homes in the winter in the future. These networks can do that, but homes must be made suitable for it.
Preference for VLT Network Due to Cooling Capability
Preliminary results from a study by RVO (conducted by The Early Birds) show that homeowners consider the annual costs most important when choosing a heating solution. If homeowners included cooling costs in their choice for a heating system, a VLT network seems to be preferred over a heat network with separate air conditioners.
Many Homes Already Suitable
The study is a follow-up to earlier research by Deltares. It showed that 60% of homes in the Netherlands are already suitable for heating with a low temperature, for example, with a VLT network, without modifications. These networks also have other advantages: they lose less heat, and due to the low temperature, they are safe enough to be located close to water pipes.
Support in Developing a Network
RVO has multiple subsidies to stimulate the development of these innovative heat and cooling networks. Entrepreneurs, energy cooperatives, housing corporations, homeowners, and municipalities can apply for these to invest in or connect to a VLT network in their area.
RVO also offers tools that show the locations of sustainable heat sources, such as the WKO soil energy tool and the Heat Atlas Netherlands. These sources form the basis for a VLT network. RVO also collects practical examples.
Get Started with VLT Networks
- Ministry of Climate and Green Growth