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). Heat is exchanged with the soil via boreholes typically 100 to 150 metres 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 quite 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. An example is the joint installation of a geothermal system under a street by several residents without their own gardens. Through economies of scale, they can use this installation to sustainably heat and cool their homes.
In order to gain insight into the technical, spatial, legal and organisational aspects of geothermal energy in public space, the city of Antwerp has appointed Ingenium. Together with partners D A, Xirius Public and AGT, we will work on the basis of three concretely elaborated BEO example cases (one of which is with both BEO and ATES identify the possibilities, obstacles and opportunities. We do this in close consultation with the various city services involved, in order to get to work on 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.
Would you like more information about the possibilities for sustainable energy in your city? Feel free to contact our expert Joris Dedecker at joris.dedecker@ingenium.be or 050 40 45 30.
