Potential heat sources for Voorschoten

Sources for a heat network

If a heat network is chosen in the future, the heat can come from various sources. Ideally, we want the heat to come from a sustainable source. Research is currently being conducted into which sources might be possible for Voorschoten in the future. It is important that the sources can supply sufficient heat, are not too expensive, and are reliable. It is not yet clear which sources will ultimately be possible and desirable. A number of potential sources are explained in further detail below.

Aquathenic energy

Aquathermal heating is the process of heating buildings by using heat from surface water, wastewater, or drinking water. The heat from the water is stored in the ground and then extracted using a heat pump. This can be done centrally with a community heat pump or with an individual heat pump for each building. The heat is delivered to homes via a district heating network. The technology for using aquathermal energy to heat homes is still very much under development. Aquathermal energy is particularly suitable for new housing developments, since the homes there are already well insulated. Therefore, this energy source may not be feasible in every neighbourhood in Voorschoten. In Voorschoten, aquathermal energy could be generated in Vlietland.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is also known as “earth heat.” The heat is extracted from the ground. Warm salt water is found at a depth of 500 metre . This water is pumped up. The heat is then extracted from it. After use, the cooled water is pumped back into the ground, where it reheats. This creates a constant flow. Geothermal energy requires two wells: one to pump up the hot water and one to pump the cooled water back down. A great deal of research is currently being conducted into the use of geothermal energy and where in Voorschoten it might be a viable solution.

WarmtelinQ

A significant amount of residual heat is available in the port of Rotterdam. Residual heat is excess heat that is no longer used by businesses in the port. Gasunie is currently constructing a heat network, Warmtelinq, which can be used to heat homes and buildings in South Holland. We are currently investigating together as the Leiden region (Leiden, Leiderdorp, Katwijk, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude) whether we can and want to utilize this residual heat and what other heat sources can be connected to it. Warmtelinq would then also be extended to Leiden. Creating a plan for this and elaborating on it will take a considerable amount of time. It is expected to take another five years before a heat pipeline is in place.

Solar thermal energy

Solar thermal systems involve the installation of solar collectors. These solar collectors capture sunlight, which is then converted into heat. The solar collectors can be installed on your own roof, allowing you to use solar thermal energy yourself. However, the solar collectors can also serve as a source for a district heating network. There is more sunlight in the summer than in the winter. To be able to use solar thermal energy year-round for heating buildings, the heat is stored in the neighbourhood. Solar thermal energy is still rarely used.

Local residual heat

Waste heat is heat released by businesses that manufacture products but can no longer use that heat. There are a few businesses in Voorschoten that might be able to supply waste heat to buildings in the “ neighbourhood.” These include, for example, greenhouse horticulture businesses, supermarkets, or a bakery.

Other heat sources

Green gas is a sustainable and fossil-free alternative to natural gas. It is produced from biomass: natural waste, such as cow manure, sewage sludge, and organic waste. Hydrogen can be produced using electricity or natural gas. When sustainable electricity is used to produce hydrogen, it is referred to as 'green hydrogen' and serves as a sustainable alternative to natural gas.

National research shows that there will be insufficient green gas and hydrogen available until 2030 to meet the demand for heat. Even after 2030, it remains to be seen whether there will be sufficient green gas and green hydrogen. Therefore, these two possibilities are not currently being considered as options for Voorschoten.