The development of a local green gas supply chain in Loenen is moving a step closer. Five organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding to continue working on the production and use of locally generated green gas. This can replace natural gas and be used to provide sustainable heating for the village.
Green gas is produced from biogas generated during the fermentation of manure. Previous research into sustainable heating solutions for Loenen identified a combination of green gas, hybrid heat pumps, insulation and energy-saving measures as the most promising approach.
The production of green gas offers farmers opportunities to make their businesses more sustainable and to develop an additional source of income. By generating energy from manure, they contribute to the sustainable heating of Loenen. Manure digestion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With additional measures in the barn and during manure processing, nitrogen emissions can also be reduced. The partners are investigating how locally produced green gas can remain available to Loenen in the long term and how an affordable price can be arranged for residents. A cooperative partnership can ensure that both farmers and residents have a say and benefit from the proceeds. In this way, the added value remains in the region as much as possible.
A carefully structured participation process forms an important part of the agreements between the partners. Residents, business owners and community organisations are involved in the further development of the plans. In doing so, attention is paid to the impact on homes and on the surroundings of potential production sites, such as traffic, odours and integration into the landscape. The Loenen Village Council acts in an advisory capacity and conveys feedback from the village to the project group. The Loenen Village Council acts in an advisory capacity and conveys feedback from the village to the project group.
The path to sustainable heating in Loenen begins with reducing gas demand. Insulation helps to retain heat more effectively, and a hybrid heat pump heats the home largely using electricity. The central heating boiler kicks in when necessary. The aim is to meet the remaining demand for gas in the future with locally sourced green gas, supplied via the existing gas network. For homes that are suitable for this, fully electric heating also remains an option.
Over the coming year, the partners will develop the plans further. Decisions regarding production, ownership, funding, location and implementation will only be taken once the feasibility has been carefully assessed.
The Municipality of Apeldoorn, the Loenen Energy Co-operative, an agricultural manure digestion co-operative currently being set up, the Province of Gelderland and the Veluwonen housing association signed the memorandum of understanding. Their shared ambition is to gradually make a sustainable, affordable and future-proof heat supply for Loenen a reality.
Loenen is one of the ‘Neighbourhoods of the Future’ in Apeldoorn. Previous studies have shown that insulation, energy-saving measures and hybrid heat pumps, supplemented by locally produced green gas, offer a promising heating solution for a large proportion of the homes.
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