Geothermal to play a role in climate plan of Turnhout, Belgium
The City of Turnhout in Antwerp, Belgium has developed a climate plan that involves using geothermal energy for district heating.
The city of Turnhout in Antwerp, Belgium has come up with a plan to make the city climate-neutral and climate-robust by 2050. Geothermal energy is expected to play a big role in this plan and has been cited as a unique asset that will feed heating networks in the city.
The action plan formulated by the project group of climate experts, policymakers, civil servants, companies, and citizens has been submitted to the city council for approval. Alderman for Environment, Energy, and Sustainability Astrid Wittebolle said that the plan was developed in recognition of their role as administrators of the planet.
“We belong to the generation that has to save the planet, and time is running out. In 1789 the people of Turnhout once successfully defended themselves against an enemy that seemed too big and too powerful, in 2022 we must again achieve such an illustrious victory, albeit against a different kind of enemy.” said Wittebolle.
Aside from geothermal heat utilization, there are also plans to use solar and wind energy. Other measures include using better insulation for buildings, bringing more greenery into neighborhoods, and eating locally grown food.
More than just a set of actions, the climate plan will serve as a basic structure for advancing insights and creating new ideas. It will be the guidance for all areas of life in Turnhout.
“Our plan describes what our contribution can be to help prevent potentially harmful climate change,” said Mayor Paul Van Miert. “We have reached an intermediate point: we are at the end of the intensive preparatory phase and are now working towards benchmarks in 2030 and 2050. We committed ourselves to this when signing the European Covenant of Mayors for 2030. Turnhout must become climate neutral and climate robust.”
Source: City of Turnhout
