Energy minister wants more investment in renewable power

Heat networks – also known as district heating – are a form of distributed heating, where whole districts are heated by a network of warm water pipes underground. The central source for the heating can be powered by renewable sources such as solar and geothermal power and heat pumps. They are also energy-efficient if powered by heating left over from industry.

Tommelein intends to provide the framework for the creation of heat networks – with “clear and transparent rules and as little administrative burden as possible” – and then consult the sector on details. “We want to encourage companies, organisations and local authorities to lay down heat networks,” he said. “Our goal is to have green heating make up one-third of Flanders’ targets for renewable energy.”

One of the obstacles to the development of heat networks in the region is its extensive network for natural gas, Tommelein says. A decree from 2009 sets a target of 99% for houses in urban areas to be able to connect to the gas network by 2020. However, according to the Flemish energy regulator, that system is not cost-efficient, and does not take enough account of sustainable alternatives.

Tommelein is now scrapping the 2009 targets, with each case being judged on its own cost-benefit analysis. “If sustainable alternatives exist such as solar panels, a heat pump or a heat network, then there’s no need to invest in an expensive gas connection,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research has completed its heat map of Flanders, which will allow local authorities and potential investors to see the most suitable locations for the creation of heat networks.

The map was created by examining the energy production and consumption of more or less every address in Flanders. The map shows red and orange locations where most heat is concentrated – Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Kortrijk can be clearly seen, with other smaller red areas around Aalst, Oudenaarde, Ostend, Leuven, Hasselt and Genk.

Photo: Ingimage