Cooperation Among Municipalities in the Leiden Region on the Heat Transition Reaffirmed

An important step was taken this week toward the heat transition in the Leiden region. The municipalities of Voorschoten, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Katwijk, Oegstgeest, and Zoeterwoude have signed a cooperation agreement to work together toward a sustainable, open, regional energy system. By collaborating more closely, the municipalities can collectively achieve a greater and faster reduction in greenhouse gas emissions than they could individually. Alderwoman Erika Spil (Sustainability, Environment & Energy) is pleased with this cooperation agreement: “As we transition to sustainable heat sources, this collaboration opens up a wide range of possibilities. Together, we’ll ensure that homes in the region stay warm.”

The regional approach to the energy transition will begin with the heat transition. The Leiden region will collaborate closely to heat homes in the future using sustainable alternatives to natural gas. Through this cooperation agreement, the region is working toward an open regional heating network. This is a system in which multiple heat sources and suppliers operate. Among other things, the region is exploring residual heat, geothermal energy (sustainable heat from the ground), and local initiatives.

By relying on multiple sources, we ensure a robust energy system that is not dependent on a single source. In the coming months, we need to clarify the possibilities for such an open grid.

Affordability and Reliability

The cooperation agreement stipulates that affordability, reliability, timeliness, and sustainability are central to the needs of customers. In their coordinating role, the municipalities in the Leiden region facilitate connections between parties, take the initiative, and ensure a robust organizational structure and oversight of these public values. In doing so, they provide ample opportunity for neighborhoods and communities to actively participate and contribute ideas.

Next Steps

Now that the cooperation agreement has been signed, the municipalities will get to work right away. A report outlining the possible scenarios for establishing an open system is expected to be ready by early 2022. To that end, there will be intensive collaboration with various private and public parties in the coming months.

Decision-Making on Waste Heat in Rotterdam

Waste heat from Rotterdam was being considered as one of the possible sources for the regional heating network. Earlier this week, however, Rotterdam’s municipal executive decided not to proceed with the plan under which Warmtebedrijf Rotterdam would supply waste heat to the Leiden region. The Rotterdam City Council will review this decision within a few weeks. The parties involved will assess the short-term implications of this decision. Incidentally, the supply of heat to residents and businesses already connected to Vattenfall’s district heating network in the Leiden region is guaranteed in any case.