Over the past few months, the housing associations and the district heating company Warmte voor de Wijk have asked tenants, homeowners and business owners to indicate their interest in connecting to the district heating network. It has emerged that fewer than 70% in sub-area 1 wish to connect. Furthermore, a contractor has not yet been found for all parts of the district heating network.
Two scenarios
The Municipal Executive has agreed to develop two scenarios in more detail. Together with the collaborating partners, they are examining whether it is possible to construct a smaller district heating network. They are also looking into the implications of not building the heating plant and not installing the district heating network.
The local council is expected to decide on the next steps in December.
“This is not the outcome we have been working towards over the past few years. Many people have worked hard to make this district heating network a reality. At the same time, the local council set clear conditions, and these have not been met. We are therefore now looking ahead and investigating whether a smaller district heating network is possible, and what the implications would be if we do not build the heating plant or install the district heating network.”
Ingrid de Bondt, Councillor for Energy Transition, Apeldoorn City Council
Working towards sustainable heating in Apeldoorn
The aim is for Apeldoorn to be natural gas-free and energy-neutral by 2050. District heating networks are a key part of this. That is why the council is exploring what is feasible in Apeldoorn. This means the council is assessing where there is sufficient public support to take steps towards sustainable heating.
“In Kerschoten, we have worked hard over recent years to be able to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable heating. Many residents have indicated that they would like to make the switch to district heating. At the same time, it is up to the residents themselves to make that choice. We respect the fact that not enough people are yet in a position to make that choice. It is a pity that we are not yet able to proceed as we had envisaged. That is why, over the coming months, we will be working with the local authority and our partners to explore the available scenarios and determine what is actually possible. We will continue to keep residents informed about the next steps.”
André Schiltmans, Director of ‘Heat for the Neighbourhood’
“We are pleased that investigations are underway into whether we can start with a smaller district heating network. Such a start is crucial: it means that the heating plant will be built and that district heating networks will remain a viable option in Apeldoorn’s energy mix. For a neighbourhood like Kerschoten, this is by far the best solution, both technically and financially. Our tenants agreed. Well over half of our tenants in sub-area I indicated they wanted to take part; that is a valuable foundation. If we let this opportunity slip by now, we will do nothing to advance the heat transition over the next ten years.”
Arjen Jongstra, Managing Director of Ons Huis, also on behalf of the housing associations De Woonmensen and De Goede Woning
Want to know more?
On energievanapeldoorn.nl/kerschoten Information for residents of Kerschoten. You’ll also find the frequently asked questions here.
Residents who would like to find out more about the results and the next steps can watch the meeting of the Apeldoorn Political Forum (PMA) on 8 October.
Stay up to date
Would you like to stay up to date with developments regarding sustainable heating in Kerschoten and the rest of Apeldoorn? If so, please sign up for the ‘Energie van Apeldoorn’ newsletter via energievanapeldoorn.nl/aanmelden
