Heat transition

Sustainable heat sources for the built environment

Since the 1960s, the generation of heating and cooling for buildings in the Netherlands has largely been realised with gas. The transition from fossil fuels to sustainable heating sources for housing and utility buildings is a considerable task within the energy transition. For industry, increasing the demand for heating largely coincides with the need for industrial decarbonisation.

How can companies and knowledge institutes contribute to solutions for the heat transition? What government policy is most suitable for national, regional and local plans. And how can all parties realise the concrete steps necessary for the heat transition together? Our specialists are happy to help you answer these questions and more.

Sustainable heat solutions

A wide range of sustainable solutions are available for the heat transition in the built environment, from electric heat pumps, biogas and thermal storage to residual heat from industry and geothermal and aquathermal energy. The cost effectiveness and reliability of the heating supply is a precondition. Choosing the right solution demands a coordinated joint approach by government bodies and industry.

Climate agreement goals for heat transition demand action

The transition to sustainable heating sources goes hand in hand with making buildings more energy-efficient. The Dutchgovernment’s climate agreement states that seven million residences and half a million buildings must be disconnected from natural gas by 2050. In the meantime, the sustainability of 1.5 million existing residences must have been improved via insulation and the use of sustainable heating and electricity by 2030. This huge task demands considerable effort from all parties involved.

Would you like to stay informed?

Subscribe to this topic

Housing and utility construction

Building companies involved in both housing and utility construction must realise innovations to increase the demand for heating and reduce energy meters to zero. Meanwhile, governments set the standards by increasing energy performance levels, among other things, while housing associations as well as building tenants and owners formulate additional requirements to make their property portfolio greener. Technology companies and grid operators can also contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings by optimising heat consumption via data analyses and digital tooling.

Sustainable heat supply and financing

Energy companies are working on more sustainable methods for generating heat, while industrial groups and waste processors are partnering with grid operators on providing residual heating to networks. The financing of initiatives for the heat transition often demands long-term and large-scale investments, in which financial institutions and government bodies could work together.

Government bodies facilitate the market

The efforts of the European Union and national and local governments is decisive for all possible solutions. They determine prices and stimulation, coordinate partnerships and formulate policy. What is the future vision and how can it be translated into an approach on a national, regional, municipal and neighbourhood level? Government bodies facilitate market parties to realise sustainable solutions in the long term.

Important questions related to the heat transition

Which sustainable heat solution is most suitable for specific users and regions?
How do parties organise policy, (un)subsidised investments, and the balance between risk and profit for energy-efficient and sustainable initiatives?
Which infrastructure does sustainable heating of the built environment require?
What governance structure is most in line with a public-private partnership for the heat transition?

More information?

We can provide support on these and other issues. Our Assurance, Advisory, Tax & HRS experts can facilitate market parties, government bodies and investors in all aspects of the heat transition based on their experience in all the aforementioned sectors and cross-sectoral partnerships. For more information contact us and discover how we can help you realise your heat transition goals.