What Is the District Heating Network Project All About?
Imagine a heating system like the one in your home, but instead of just one building, it serves an entire neighborhood. That’s basically what a district heating network does. It transports heat from a big heat source to nearby buildings, making heating more efficient and sustainable. The heat can come from various sources — a heat plant, a company producing waste heat, or even renewable options like biomass, solar collectors, and heat pumps. This approach is gaining traction in Belgium, with several exciting projects underway that aim to push the energy transition forward, especially in heating and sanitary hot water.
Main Benefits and Key Facts of the Projects
These projects aren’t just about keeping homes warm; they’re about transforming how communities use energy. Here are some key figures and facts:
- Project Benedicte: 71 housing units in Mortsel, including 51 apartments, 12 houses, 8 social apartments, plus a commercial space. Geothermal heat will be tapped with drilling starting soon.
- District Heating Network Averegten: Located in Heist-op-den-Berg, this network heats 75 apartments using geothermal energy.
- Heat Refined: Minerve: Uses industrial waste heat from the Agfa-Gevaert factory in Mortsel to supply sustainable energy to the Minerve site and Zilverkwartier.
- Investment Details: The Averegten project costs around 1 million euros, with the developer covering most through connection fees. Zuidtrant-W’s net investment is about 150,000 euros.
- Expansion Plans: Existing streets in Mortsel like Lieven Gevaertstraat and Ridder van Ranstlei are being considered for network expansion based on heat demand and technical feasibility.
How Does the District Heating Network Work?
Think of it as central heating, but on a bigger scale. Instead of a boiler in each home, heat is generated centrally and then piped to multiple buildings nearby. This heat can come from a variety of sources — traditional heat plants, companies that produce a lot of waste heat, or renewable energy sources like biomass and solar collectors. The beauty of this system is that it’s flexible and can integrate different heat sources, making it a smart solution for sustainable urban heating.
Project Benedicte: A Closer Look
In Mortsel, the Benedicte project is shaping up to be a landmark development. It includes 71 housing units — a mix of apartments, houses, and social apartments — plus a commercial space. What’s really cool here is the use of geothermal heat, which is a clean and renewable energy source. The first drilling is about to start, marking a big step toward sustainable heating for this new neighborhood.
District Heating Network Averegten: Sustainable Heat in Action
Over in Heist-op-den-Berg, the Averegten project is making waves. A new neighborhood is being built on Averegtenlaan, and part of it will be heated using a collective geothermal heat pump. This project is a collaboration with the energy cooperative Klimaan, covering the Mechelen and Rivierenland regions. It’s a perfect example of how local partnerships can drive sustainable energy solutions forward.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting renewable heat sources and energy efficiency.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Creating sustainable urban heating infrastructure.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing carbon emissions by using waste heat and renewables.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Developing innovative heating networks and infrastructure.
Expanding Beyond New Builds: Heating Existing Homes
It’s not just about new developments. There’s a strong push to bring existing homes in Mortsel into the district heating network. Together with the local municipality, areas with the highest heat demand and technical feasibility have been identified — including streets like Lieven Gevaertstraat and Sint-Annalei. This means more residents can benefit from sustainable heating, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy bills. It’s a win-win for the community and the environment.
