Heat network

A heat network, also known as district heating, is a system that uses heat from heat sources such as a cogeneration plant or a heat pump, or from natural sources such as lakes and rivers, to supply heat to buildings and other users.

A heat network consists of a network of pipes that transmit heat to various users, thus efficiently distributing heating. Heat networks provide a sustainable way of delivering heating to buildings. As a result, less energy is consumed and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced.

Volantis renders buildings and production facilities energy-neutral or even energy-positive. We develop sustainable alternatives to gas consumption, such as sustainable heating and cooling systems, sustainable electricity and sustainable gas (hydrogen). For instance, buildings and production facilities may benefit from being connected to a heat network. Heat networks provide a sustainable way of delivering heating to buildings. As a result, less energy is consumed and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. Generally, heat networks also result in reduced energy bills and a higher level of energy efficiency.

The heat transition is a complex and major task in which local governments want to direct efficiently, systematically and responsibly towards a natural gas-free and sustainable heat supply for all homes, buildings and also industry by 2050. This can be done with heat networks, heat pump techniques and/or other techniques that use solar, wind and/or geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source. Heat networks can also enable the exchange of heat and cold between connected homes, buildings and/or industry, significantly reducing an area’s net energy consumption as well as its peak electricity requirement, as is the case with 5th generation heat and cold networks (5GDHC). This type of network is often combined with a form of heat or cold storage using local sources at low or very low temperature.

Local governments are directors of the heat transition in neighbourhoods and (sub)areas and are at the forefront of managing the heat transition.

Volantis advises and supports governments and companies in this transition.

The kind of heat network we have in mind for the Helmond town centre is a 5^th-generation heat and cold network and will be one way to address various challenges. Connecting the Helmond town centre to the heat network is a quiet and invisible solution, will prevent urban heating and will ensure that the area’s connected electrical capacity will be reduced considerably (by more than 60 per cent) in the coming years.

The heat network is an exchange network made up of underground pipes transporting hot and cold water. Additional heat is captured from the soil, using aquathermal energy and shallow geothermal energy.

Aquathermal energy will be the main source of heat for the Helmond town centre. This particular heat source will particularly be available during the summer months. This technique, combined with an open-loop geothermal system, can be used to heat and cool the built environment.

Many places in the Netherlands have a supply of heat and cold that would otherwise be lost. For instance, they have industrial waste heat, but heat and cold can also be generated from natural sources, such as surface water. Said heat and cold are transmitted through an exchange network in a cogeneration plant to water flowing through a well-insulated grid of pipes – the heat network. The water inside the heat network is hot enough to heat homes and buildings, and to give them warm shower and tap water, with the aid of a booster heat pump. The cold can also be used to cool homes, thus realising a comfortable indoor climate even in summer.

The construction of a heat network may allow entire streets and neighbourhoods to be disconnected from natural gas pipes. It has been estimated that approximately one-quarter of the Netherlands has the right conditions to be connected to a heat network by 2050. In many situations, such a large-scale network will be more affordable than individual solutions for individual homes. Heat networks are a good option, particularly in places where homes and buildings are built close together.

Society increasingly requires us to switch to new energy supply systems, such as connecting buildings to a heat network, which involves gradually replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources.

At the same time, local governments, companies and other organisations are increasingly able to meet that demand. When it comes down to it, the right investments in the energy transition will be profitable and create added value for all of society, meaning they will benefit society. Don’t hesitate to ask us for some examples that demonstrate this.

Heat networks come with several benefits, including but not limited to reduced energy bills, a sustainable way of providing buildings with heating and cooling, increased energy efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Heat networks also constitute a reliable and safe way to provide buildings with heating and cooling.

Heat networks are often owned by the same company that also supplies the heat. So you have no choice of supplier. That may change in the future.

With a low-temperature heat network, you have to get used to the fact that you can’t quickly adjust the temperature a degree like with a central heating boiler. The building envelope and delivery system of the home or building should therefore be geared to the heat supply to avoid comfort complaints.