Warmtenet Zuid-Limburg gathers momentum

The Province of Limburg, ten South Limburg municipalities, Enexis Group, and EBN (Energie Beheer Nederland) are joining forces to establish a regional heat company in South Limburg.

To this end, a letter of intent was signed on Thursday 15 May. Through “Warmtenet Zuid-Limburg” (South Limburg Heat Network), it is expected that, in the future, thousands of homes and commercial buildings will be connected to a heat network supplied with heat from the nearby Chemelot industrial site. Over time, the heat sources will become more sustainable. The southern part of Geleen is being considered for the installation of the initiative’s first heat network.

Heat networks can play a key role in the transition to sustainable energy. For example, they help to reduce the pressure on the capacity of the electricity grid. In addition, heat networks make use of local heat sources, reducing dependency on foreign energy sources. Finally, they contribute to achieving climate targets. In the coming months, research will be done into the organisation structure of the required heat company and the share that each party will hold.

How a heat network works

When a home is connected to a heat network, a gas boiler is no longer needed. Heat is delivered into the home via underground pipes carrying hot water. This water is used to heat both the home and provide hot water. Cooking is then done electrically. Heat networks significantly reduce CO2 emissions per household, compared to traditional boilers. Furthermore, they are expected to offer stable heat pricing. “I’m pleased we are starting with Warmtenet Zuid-Limburg, close to the source of residual heat”, said Ivo Tillie, member of the municipal Chief Executive for Energy Transition (Sittard-Geleen). “WZL is publicly owned and provides a good alternative to natural gas. The most important thing is that heating remains affordable for everyone. A heat network is an excellent solution that requires no major modifications to homes. I fully support this initiative.”

From 1 January 2026, new heat networks will likely need to be predominantly publicly owned, in accordance with the future Collective Heat Act (Wcw). Warmtenet Zuid-Limburg could become such a publicly owned heat company. The Dutch House of Representatives will start the debate on the Wcw on 19 May. 

Working together for affordable and sustainable heat

Marc van Caldenberg, member of the Provincial Executive for Limburg: “As a province, we are committed to affordable, reliable, and sustainable heating solutions for our residents. A fully public heat company can ensure transparent and stable pricing schemes while also accommodating residents’ energy communities. It also supports the transition to sustainable energy for the future. In our view, the new Collective Heat Act will be crucial for the further development of the heat networks like the one in South Limburg. I’m glad all parties are working together on this.”

Opportunities for locally sourced heat

Herman Exalto, Director of Heat Networks at EBN, supports further expansion of heat networks in the province. Due to international tensions and the recent gas crisis, we must consider how to reduce our reliance on foreign heat sources. If Warmtenet Zuid-Limburg leads to more heat networks powered by local sources, this will result in a reliable heat supply for the residents of South Limburg.”

Relief for grid congestion

Enexis highlights another benefit of heat networks: “By collectively developing heat networks in areas where they provide the best social solution, we avoid further pressure on the capacity of the electricity grid. This will keep the energy transition feasible and affordable’, says Bram Gerrist, Director of Enpuls Warmte Infra.