At the Noordkasteel in Antwerp, where city and port meet, are the historic silos of the SA des Magasins à Grains d'Anvers (SAMGA). These relics from the old port landscape are industrial heritage.
However, the arrival of the Oosterweel connection will radically transform the surroundings of the Noordkasteel and SAMGA silos. AG VESPA, the Antwerp autonomous municipal agency for real estate and urban projects, is therefore exploring the various functions that these special buildings could absorb in the future. They will serve as input for the design team that will start work this fall on the above-ground transformation of this 'Ringpark Noordkasteel' site.
Together with Arcadis, Ingenium is investigating the potential of the SAMGA silos for a possible Antwerp district heat grid. It is looking at whether the old grain silos can be converted into large-scale heat buffers so that the potential supply of residual heat from the port can be matched with the heat demand from the city. This could greatly increase the share of waste heat in the production mix of the future heat grid. Both options for a seasonal buffer and a daily buffer are being studied. In addition, whether a peak heat plant for the heat grid in or adjacent to the current buildings is realistic is being investigated, and options for additional alternative and/or renewable heat sources for the heat grid are being considered.
Ingenium previously worked with Arcadis and Atelier Horizon to develop the vision and trajectory for the Ring Heat Backbone around the city.
More information? Contact our expert Joris Dedecker by e-mail(joris.dedecker@ingenium.be) or by phone: 050 40 45 30
