Opportunities for Low-Temperature Geothermal Energy in the Southwest Netherlands
There is potential for low-temperature geothermal energy in parts of the South Holland islands, West Brabant and potentially Zeeland in the future. This is shown by an analysis of data from the SCAN exploration well in Heijningen (2024, North Brabant).
Researchers from Witteveen+Bos and Sproule ERCE used data from the SCAN exploration well and seismic surveys, combined with insights from previous potential studies in the study area. This analysis was combined with information on heat demand in the built environment. Commissioned by Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) and the three provinces, the study provides insight into where future geothermal projects could be economically viable. The results focus exclusively on the potential for geothermal energy production from the so-called Brussels Sand Member.
Geothermal energy shows promise in South Holland South
In South Holland South, particularly on Goeree-Overflakkee and in the Spijkenisse, Hellevoetsluis and Oud-Beijerland region, low-temperature geothermal energy appears promising enough for further investigation into the feasibility of economically viable projects. Goeree-Overflakkee offers opportunities mainly because of favourable subsurface conditions.
The Spijkenisse, Hellevoetsluis and Oud-Beijerland region has average subsurface conditions but may be attractive due to the connection with local heat demand. This is partly driven by the planned development of district heating networks. In some locations, however, the geothermal heat temperature would need to be further increased using heat pumps.
Opportunities for geothermal energy in West Brabant
West Brabant contains several locations where district heating networks have already been developed or are currently being explored. Part of this supply is based on heat from the Amer power plant. The researchers see the greatest opportunities for low-temperature geothermal energy in district heating networks in Zevenbergen, Breda and Made.
For geothermal projects to be economically successful, it is important to combine heat supply to homes and offices with geothermal heat supply to the greenhouse horticulture sector in the region.
Geothermal energy in the Tholen and Schouwen-Duiveland area
The analysis shows that parts of the subsurface in Zeeland are suitable for producing low-temperature geothermal energy, although the opportunities are more limited compared with West Brabant and South Holland. These opportunities are mainly found in the greenhouse horticulture area on the northern side of Tholen and Schouwen-Duiveland.
Discussions with representatives of the greenhouse horticulture sector indicate a preference for high-temperature geothermal energy. While low-temperature geothermal energy is technically suitable for residential developments in surrounding villages, applying it in existing housing stock would involve significant costs. The heat demand from new residential developments in these villages is too limited to support an economically viable geothermal project.
SCAN exploration well Heijningen (also known as Oranjeoord-01): a source of geothermal data
The SCAN exploration well in Heijningen, drilled at the Krukweg site in spring 2024, was the main source of data for this study. The well reached a depth of 834 metres and confirmed the presence of geological formations required for geothermal energy development. These formations were shown to have both sufficient thickness and adequate permeability. The latter is an important prerequisite for the economic production of geothermal energy.
The SCAN exploration well enabled the investigation of several geological layers. It also provided valuable data relevant to the western part of Brabant, part of Zeeland and the southern part of South Holland.
Possible next steps
Municipalities or operators can use the results of this study as a starting point for applying for a Geothermal Exploration Area Allocation (Toewijzing Zoekgebied Aardwarmte). This permit allows them to work with partners to further develop opportunities for geothermal energy production.
