Activities National Heat Investor (NDW)
District heating networks are important for both energy security and the success of the heat and energy transition. Heat companies are responsible for the development, construction and operation of district heating networks.
As part of its mandate, the National Heat Investor (Nationale Deelneming Warmte, NDW) participates for up to 40 per cent in newly established public heat companies. NDW supports public partners throughout all phases of establishing and developing a public heat company, while municipalities retain their leading role in the heat transition.
Since spring 2025, the National Heat Investor has signed letters of intent and cooperation agreements with various municipalities, provinces and network operators to establish new public heat companies. It is projected that the first new regional public heat companies will be incorporated in 2027.
In addition to developing new regional heat companies, NDW has also been mandated by the Dutch State to enter into discussions with the three largest private heat companies in the Netherlands regarding the transfer of their activities into public ownership. NDW is currently housed within Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN).
Use the form below to contact Herman Exalto, Director Regional Cooperation Heat.
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Use the form below to contact Marijn Renting, Manager Business Development Heat (NDW).
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Across the Netherlands, municipalities, provinces, network operators and Nationale Deelneming Warmte (NDW - National Heat Investor) are working together to develop regional heat companies, helping to accelerate the rollout of sustainable district heating networks.
Establishing a heat company
Since the Collective Heat Act (Wet collectieve warmte) came into force, all district heating networks and heat companies must be majority publicly owned. Across the Netherlands, NDW is working with municipalities, provinces and network operators in various partnerships to establish new public heat companies. The process broadly consists of the following phases:
Phase 1 – Exploration: Administrative discussions between municipalities or provinces, network operators and NDW. Outcome: Letter of Intent (LOI).
Phase 2 – Assessment and Planning: Analysis of heat demand, available heat sources and financial feasibility. Outcome: Cooperation Agreement.
Phase 3 – Establishment Preparation for the legal incorporation of the heat company, led by a programme manager appointed by the participating parties. Outcome: Incorporation deed executed before a civil-law notary.
Phase 4 – Organisational Development and Project Implementation: Setting up the organisation of the new public heat company and developing its initial projects.
Phase 5 – Operations: Connected customers receive heat through the district heating network operated by the public heat company. The company continues to develop additional heat projects alongside its operational activities.
