Area defined for potential geothermal development at Zwolle, Netherlands
Zwolle - Pelserbrugje, Netherlands (source: flickr/ Sjaak Kempe, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
3 Jan 2019
An area with geothermal potential has been identified near Zwolle in the Netherlands. The hope is that development of a geothermal heating project on site could provide heating to around 10,000 homes in the area.
Geothermal energy in Zwolle appears technically, organisationally and economically feasible, reports the municipality of Zwolle. “This shows the feasibility study that has been completed …”, so an article by local publication de Swollenaer.
“The promising source area that lies at the height of the Zwarte Water, between the Dijklanden (side Aa-Landen) and the Stadskolk (side Stadshagen) has been investigated further. An environmental analysis shows that the location Dijklanden in the Aa-land prefers the above-ground installation of the geothermal well, “continues the municipality in a press release.
The choice for Dijklanden is based on, among other things, nature and landscape values. “Location Stadskolk is located in the National Landscape IJsseldelta and has natural value. Location Dijklanden is agricultural area. This location is also somewhat further away from the edge of the residential area. In addition, the Warmtids exploration shows that the homes in the Holtenbroek and Aa-land districts are promising for the connection to a heating network. This is due to the age of the houses and the construction of the neighborhoods (there are already many block heaters present). With a geothermal source in Zwolle Noord, it is expected that around ten thousand homes will be provided with sustainable heat. ”
The board has taken note of the results of the exploration and asks the council to agree to the further development of geothermal energy in Zwolle Noord. Steps in the follow-up process include a further elaboration of the choice of location and the best possible integration of the installation in the area within the preferred location Dijklanden. This involves local residents and other stakeholders. The possible route of the heat network will also be further elaborated and the Municipal Executive will discuss the desired role of the municipality with the municipal council throughout the project.
It is the intention to complete the above steps in the second half of 2019. The coming to a geothermal source and an associated heat network is a development process of years. If everything runs smoothly, the first heat supply from the geothermal source is expected to be at its earliest in 2022 or 2023.
In 2025, the Municipality of Zwolle intends to generate 25% of energy sustainably in order to reduce CO2 emissions and in 2050 the city wants to be completely energy-neutral and away from natural gas. To realize this, various sustainable sources are needed: sun, wind, water and geothermal energy. A form of sustainable generation of heat is geothermal energy. Geothermics is a sustainable heat source that replaces the use of natural gas. Alderman Monique Schuttenbeld: “The Heat Guide study has already shown that the homes in the Holtenbroek and Aa countries are promising for connection to a heating network. The fact that the development of a geothermal energy source in Dijklanden proves to be feasible is a promising step towards the sustainability of our city. ”
In February, the municipality of Zwolle is organizing an information evening about geothermal energy and the heat overhaul. For people who wonder what they can already do to make themselves more sustainable, the tip is to start by isolating the house or business premises. For an independent advice and more information, people can go to the municipal energy store Improve & Save.
For more information about geothermal energy and the state of affairs in Zwolle, see www.zwolle.nl/geothermie.
Source: de Swollenaer
