EBN is accelerating the heat transition by investing in geothermal energy and district heating. In doing so, we are helping to decarbonise the heat supply, strengthen energy security, and take a step towards an affordable and future-proof energy system.
The heat transition is an essential part of the energy transition in the Netherlands. More than 40% of the country’s energy consumption is used for heating, much of which is currently supplied by natural gas. To help decarbonise heat demand, EBN focuses on the development of geothermal energy and the expansion of district heating networks powered by sustainable heat sources. Local energy sources such as geothermal energy make the heat transition less dependent on foreign energy supplies.
The heat transition is necessary to achieve climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. District heating and geothermal energy help to:
- Reduce CO₂ emissions
- Decrease dependence on imported natural gas
- Keep energy affordable and reliable
Use the form below to contact Joanne de Jonge, Director National Heat Investor.
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Use the form below to contact Michiel Houwing, Business Unit Director Geothermal Energy.
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EBN’s Role in the Heat Transition
EBN is helping to accelerate the heat transition by working with partners to develop geothermal energy projects and district heating projects. Through these activities, EBN contributes to a more sustainable heat supply, greater energy security and a future-proof energy system. To accelerate the development of geothermal energy, EBN:
- Participates in geothermal energy projects (required under the Dutch Mining Act since 2023)
- Maps the Dutch subsurface through the SCAN programme
- Develops and shares knowledge and expertise across the geothermal sector
To accelerate the rollout of district heating, EBN works with municipalities, provinces and network operators to establish new public heat companies. For this purpose, Nationale Deelneming Warmte (NDW – the National Heat Investor) is currently part of EBN. NDW also plays a role in the acquisition by the Dutch State of the Netherlands’ three largest district heating companies.
Geothermal Energy: A Sustainable Heat Source
Geothermal energy is an important source of sustainable heat in the Netherlands. By harnessing heat from deep layers in the subsurface, geothermal energy can be used to provide heating for homes, businesses and greenhouse horticulture. As a large-scale renewable heat source, geothermal energy has the potential to supply heat to thousands of households. By scaling up geothermal energy, more people can benefit from locally produced sustainable heat, helping to accelerate the heat transition.
Overview of geothermal energy project locations across the Netherlands in which Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) is involved.
District Heating: Backbone of the Heat Transition
District heating is essential for delivering sustainable heat to end users. Via underground networks heat from local sources, such as geothermal energy, residual heat and aquathermal energy, is transported to homes and businesses. EBN invests in district heating through Nationale Deelneming Warmte (NDW – the National Heat Investor), a dedicated public policy participation established to create public heat companies that:
- Develop and operate district heating networks
- Accelerate the rollout of sustainable heating solutions
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Strengthen public-sector delivery capability
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.
