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The Hague in the Netherlands pushing geothermal heating in sustainability efforts

The Hague in the Netherlands pushing geothermal heating in sustainability efforts The Hague geothermal heating plant (source: Haagse Aardwarmte Leyweg)
Alexander Richter 13 Oct 2017

The city of The Hague in the Netherlands could benefit from geothermal heating as early as 2018, with the start of one geothermal plant as part of a larger plan to utilise geothermal for heating the city in sustainability efforts.

The first geothermal heating plant will be starting operation in 2018, following the green light given for the so-called Haagse Aardwarmtecentrale Leyweg (HAL) last week. Starting next year this geothermal station will supply power to homes in The Hague Southwest.

The HAL will supply sustainable energy to The Hague Southwest as of 2018 from wells drilled to a depth of more than 2,000 meters. Between now and the coming 5 years at least 4 geothermal plants will become operational in The Hague. This number will increase to more than 10 stations in the future. Thanks to The Hague’s location, the heat can be found just beneath the earth’s surface and this geothermal energy is an excellent source of alternative energy.

Unique geothermal station

The company Haagse Aardwarmte Leyweg (HAL) took over the 2 geothermal wells drilled in 2010 to supply sustainable heating to homes in the Southwest of the Hague. The HAL is the first urban-based geothermal station in The Hague and in the Netherlands and is therefore unique.

The Hague climate-neutral

The Hague aims to become climate-neutral by 2040 and to ensure that all homes in the city are disconnected from the gas grid. The Hague has decided upon geothermal energy as the most important alternative source of sustainable energy.

10,000 homes per year

More than half of the energy consumed by The Hague each year is generated by burning natural gas. The gas is used primarily for heating buildings, showering and cooking. Altogether gas burning counts for more than 40% of The Hague’s annual carbon dioxide emissions.

In order to make all of The Hague’s homes gas free and sustainable by 2040, an average of 10,000 homes per year need to be insulated and connected to alternative energy sources starting now. In addition to geothermal energy, The Hague is also deciding in favour of wind and solar energy and heat pumps. Newly constructed homes will no longer get a gas connection.

Energy plans

An energy plan will be drawn up for each neighbourhood of The Hague. The plans will be made together with residents, housing corporations, power companies and experts.

Source: City of The Hague