Six municipalities in the Leiden region sign a letter of intent to establish a public heating company

The municipal councils of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, and Zoeterwoude have unanimously approved the letter of intent for the Regional Public Integrated Heating Company for the Leiden Region (RPIW WLR). With this decision, the municipalities are taking an important step toward the heat transition and are working together toward a sustainable future.  

Six aldermen signed the memorandum of understanding. Top row, from left to right: Angelique Beekhuizen (Zoeterwoude), Hubert Schokker (Voorschoten), and Tim van Tongeren (Oegstgeest). In the bottom row, from left to right: Gebke van Gaal (Leiderdorp), Sonny Spek (Katwijk), and Yvonne van Delft (Leiden).

As part of the Warmte Leidse Regio (WLR) program, the six municipalities will begin intensive work in 2025 on the preparatory phase for a joint heating utility. During this phase, they will assess the feasibility and desirability of a Regional Public Integrated Heating Utility.  

Public Partners 

In addition, agreements are being made with Alliander and Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), which emerged from the regional study as potential public partners in the regional heating utility. Both Alliander and EBN have indicated their willingness to actively contribute to the heating transition in the Leiden region. Municipalities and public partners will reach agreements regarding their contributions during the preparatory phase and the joint decision-making process regarding a heating utility. 

Decision-Making 

The final decision on the establishment of the heating utility will be made following the successful completion of the preparatory phase. The municipal councils will also be involved in this process, during which they will have the opportunity to express their wishes and concerns and to decide on the utility’s financing. 

Interview with Aldermen from Leiden and Voorschoten on the Leiden Region Heating Project 

In an interview, Leiden City Councilor Yvonne van Delft and Voorschoten City Councilor Hubert Schokker discuss the importance of this regional collaboration and the opportunities it offers for a sustainable and future-proof heat supply in the Leiden region. 

City council members Yvonne van Delft (Leiden) and Hubert Schokker (Voorschoten) discuss the heat transition and a sustainable future for the Leiden region. 

Would you like to learn more about Warmte Leidse Regio? Then visit the website at www.warmteleidseregio.nl.