To achieve its sustainability goals, the city of Antwerp is fully committed to district heat networks. These heat networks serve as a sustainable solution for heating buildings within the city. However, not every location within Antwerp is suitable for the implementation of such heat networks.
Some parts of the city lack nearby renewable heat sources, or the surrounding area is less suitable for the construction of heat networks. In such cases, geothermal can provide an alternative solution. This method uses stored heat in the ground, which can be utilized via heat pumps to heat buildings. In addition, geothermal can be used to cool buildings in the summer, making it a versatile and sustainable option.
In Antwerp, geothermal energy is mainly applied via borehole energy storage (BEO). This involves exchanging heat with the ground via drilling typically 100 to 150 meters deep. In addition, cold heat storage (ATES) is a possibility in certain parts of the city. Both technologies are well-known and proven methods that have been used for some time.
Building owners and developers regularly approach cities and towns with requests to be allowed to use public space for geothermal applications, especially when space on their own property is not sufficient. Currently, however, the city of Antwerp does not yet allow these opportunities to be used on public property.
Nevertheless, geothermal offers opportunities for collective use in public spaces. One example is the joint installation of a geothermal system under a street by several residents without their own gardens. Due to economies of scale, they can use this installation to sustainably heat and cool their homes.
To gain insight into the technical, spatial, legal and organizational aspects of geothermal energy in the public domain, the City of Antwerp has appointed Ingenium. Together with partners D A, Xirius Public and AGT, we will identify the possibilities, obstacles and opportunities on the basis of three concretely elaborated BEO example cases (one of which was elaborated both with BEO and ATES ). We will do this in close consultation with the various city departments involved, in order to work with the living concerns.
The findings of the study will be used to further shape the policy framework and develop regulatory instruments where necessary. These will serve to complement already existing instruments, codes and regulations, with the aim of promoting sustainable heating in the city of Antwerp.
Graag meer info gewenst over de mogelijkheden tot duurzame energie in jouw stad? Contacteer gerust onze expert Joris Dedecker via joris.dedecker@ingenium.be of 050 40 45 30.
