Comsof Heat allows HVC to gather insights into local needs for district heat networks in the exploratory phase of their project.

HVC focuses on sustainable energy and waste management for 44 municipalities and six water authorities. The core task of the heat division of HVC is to support its stockholders in their transition towards gas independence. In addition, HVC develops heating networks where it is feasible, affordable, and desirable. Today the company already manages heating networks in Dordrecht, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Sliedrecht and Zwijndrecht.

The region of Drechtsteden is a compact urbanized area in the province of South Holland. These seven municipalities have a large potential for sustainable energy sources, such as thermal heat.

“These seven municipalities have jointly developed their own heat vision in 2019. The report shows that a district heating network is the cheapest alternative to gas for about 35 percent of the existing buildings. We are talking about more than 100,000 homes”, says Eline van den Ende, advisor heat transition at HVC.

5930 homes to be connected to a district heating network

“A ruling by the Dutch government made it possible to connect 5930 additional homes to existing and new heating networks. We see this as the accelerator in the heat transition of the Drechtsteden region,” said Ms. Van den Ende.

“The municipalities involved now need to figure out answers to questions such as: how do we accelerate? How do we shape our directing role? Which opportunities can we validate in the short term? How do we create a vision which is supported by all stakeholders? And which factors do we take into account for a structured and plannable development of the heating grid?”

“In order to find answers, the authorities want to get insights into the different choices and conditions at hand. To work in an inclusive environment, focused on the local needs. Comsof Heat helps in this exploratory phase.”