Progress Towards a Public Heat Company for The Hague
The Municipality of The Hague, NetVerder (part of Stedin Group) and Nationale Deelneming Warmte (NDW, a subsidiary of Energie Beheer Nederland) have signed a Letter of Intent for the establishment of a public heat company for The Hague.
During the next phase, the parties will determine how they can accelerate the heat transition in The Hague, how they will work together and which results they aim to achieve. The partners intend to formally establish the heat company in early 2027.
Investing in local heat sources
The City of The Hague aims to become natural gas-free by 2050 at the latest. For the vast majority of the city, district heating is considered the most suitable alternative to natural gas. A public heat company can significantly accelerate the rollout of district heating networks for existing buildings. This creates the best opportunities to utilise local sustainable heat sources, such as geothermal energy and aquathermal energy, while also making use of residual heat from the Port of Rotterdam.
The heat company will combine the expertise, experience and capabilities of the three partners. The Municipality of The Hague will take the lead, designate the areas where the heat company may develop district heating networks and support the acceleration of planning and permitting procedures. NetVerder contributes practical experience in the development, construction and operation of district heating networks. NDW will support the heat company through investment capacity and national expertise.
Goals of the public heat company for The Hague
Through the establishment of the The Hague Heat Company (Haags Warmtebedrijf), the partners aim to:
- deliver 24,000 new district heating connections by 2035, creating a platform for further growth in the years thereafter;
- develop multiple district heating networks simultaneously across the city, complementing resident-led initiatives;
- provide a reliable, affordable and sustainable heat supply for tenants, homeowners and businesses.
Affordable district heating networks
The three partners believe that a publicly owned heat company offers the most effective approach to developing affordable district heating networks. This can be achieved through public financing and by developing multiple projects in an integrated way, allowing work to be carried out more efficiently and cost-effectively.
In addition, the partners intend to prioritise initial projects with a high likelihood of success and a strong positive impact on the city.
