Potential heat sources for Voorschoten

Sources for a district heating network

If a district heating network is chosen in the future, the heat could come from various sources. Ideally, we would like the heat to come from a sustainable source. Research is currently underway to identify potential future heat sources for Voorschoten. It is important that these sources can provide sufficient heat, are not too expensive, and are reliable. It is not yet clear which sources will ultimately be feasible and desirable. A number of potential sources are explained in more detail below.

Aquathermal Energy

Aquathermal heating is the process of heating buildings 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. This means this energy source may not be feasible in every neighborhood 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 meters. 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 could be a viable solution.

WarmtelinQ

There is a lot of waste heat available in the Port of Rotterdam. Waste heat is excess heat that is no longer used by the companies in the port. Gasunie is currently constructing a heat network, Warmtelinq, that will be used to heat homes and buildings in South Holland. Currently, we are working together as the Leiden region (Leiden, Leiderdorp, Katwijk, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude) to determine whether we can and want to utilize this residual heat and what other heat sources we can connect to the network. Warmtelinq would then be extended to Leiden as well. Developing a plan for this and working out the details will take a considerable amount of time. It is expected that it could 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 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 locally. Solar thermal energy is still rarely used at this time.

Local waste heat

Waste heat is heat generated by businesses that produce goods but can no longer use that heat. There are several businesses in Voorschoten that might be able to supply waste heat to nearby buildings. 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 renewable electricity is used to produce hydrogen, it is called “green hydrogen” and is a sustainable alternative to natural gas.

A national study shows that there will not be enough green gas and hydrogen available to meet heating demand through 2030. Even after 2030, it remains to be seen whether there will be sufficient green gas and green hydrogen. For this reason, these two options are not currently being considered for Voorschoten.