Global warming is causing climate change, with more periods of drought and heavy downpours. We are already noticing this in our municipality too. We can slow down these climate changes by reducing our CO₂ emissions.
Heat Transition Vision
Sustainable heat for our future
Our aim is to generate all the energy we use in Apeldoorn locally by 2050. In other words, to become energy-neutral. That is why we are going to save as much energy as possible and generate renewable energy. We are also going to heat homes and buildings differently and switch to electric cooking.
At present, many homes and buildings still use natural gas. This is a fossil fuel; burning it releases CO₂, and supplies could run out. The switch to sustainable heating – the heating transition – is therefore necessary and important. One step towards this is the creation of a Heat Transition Vision. All local authorities in the Netherlands do this.
Approach
The Heat Transition Vision (pdf, 5 Mb) outlines our broad vision for the transition to sustainable heating. This document was drawn up in collaboration with partners (de Woonmensen, Ons Huis, De Goede Woning, Mooiland, Veluwonen, Liander, deA) and local residents. We outline the path to 2050 in broad terms. And we clearly set out how we will get started in the first 10 years. It is a major undertaking and one that offers opportunities. Such as the potential for new jobs, innovation and training opportunities. It is a chance to make living and working in our neighbourhoods more pleasant and comfortable. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
Apeldoorn has 72,000 homes and 9,200 buildings. A number of neighbourhoods are already heated sustainably, such as Zuidbroek and Groot Zonnehoeve. So most are not yet. Fortunately, we have seen that the heat demand – that is, the amount of energy required for these buildings – has fallen in recent years. This is because we are insulating homes more and more effectively. Insulation is therefore a key part of our action plan.
We will explore possible solutions for each neighbourhood. Sometimes this will be a solution for an individual home, such as a heat pump. Other times it will be a solution for the whole neighbourhood, such as a district heating network. We will make separate arrangements for new-build properties.
Plans
Track 1: Insulation, ventilation and energy saving
The better a home is insulated, the less energy it requires. That is why we are prioritising this approach. Ventilation is also important in this regard. We help residents and property owners with tips, advice and suitable financial measures to insulate their homes or start saving on natural gas.
Track 2: Getting started with the implementation plans
Together with the neighbourhood, we are drawing up a plan for the transition to sustainable heating. All neighbourhoods have been divided into four phases, between now and 2050. We will start with the neighbourhoods for which we already have good solutions. This is phase 1, where we are launching the neighbourhoods of the future. In subsequent phases, we will move on to neighbourhoods for which there is currently no solution.
Track 3: Policy, research and innovation
Sustainable heating technology is still very expensive at present. The possibilities continue to evolve. That is why we are actively involved in research and innovation. This presents excellent opportunities for businesses in Apeldoorn.
Moving forward together
The key to a successful transition to sustainable heating is that we do it together. Residents, the local council, businesses and organisations: everyone can play their part. Together, we can work out the best ways forward. And together, we’ll get started.
The local authority is overseeing the process. Residents and businesses can contribute their ideas, have a say in decisions and get involved. Housing associations and the network operator are fully involved in planning and carrying out the project. And the energy co-operative deA is actively involved as a source of inspiration and an adviser.
Read the Heating Transition Vision
You can Heat Transition Vision (pdf, 5 MB) digital reading.
In 2027, the Heating Transition Vision will be replaced by the Heating programme. In the Heating Programme, we respond to new developments and experiences.