Heating networks: a lever for decarbonising heating in Brussels
Heating networks: a lever for decarbonising heating in Brussels
Decarbonising heating is an essential lever for achieving the climate objectives of the Brussels-Capital Region. The collective solutions being considered include heating networks, an infrastructure which can valorise locally available energy.
An ambitious project for the north of the capital
The City of Brussels, Brussels Energy and Sibelga are working together to develop a new heating network in the north of Brussels.
The idea is to recover the heat produced by Brussels Energy's waste valorisation plant, to supply housing, schools, crèches and other public buildings in Neder-Over-Heembeek.
A report from the heart of the construction site
The BX1 cameras went on the ground to meet the teams involved in the project.
Mehdi Bouhlal (Energy Project Manager) and Adel Lassouli (spokesperson), both from Brussels Energy, and Nikolaas Bogaerts (Low Carbon Solutions Manager at Sibelga), share their vision and the next steps for this local initiative.
A few key facts and figures
The current network already extends over 6 km and among other places supplies the Greenhouses at Laeken, the Docks shopping centre and the Royal Palace.
A 3.7 km extension is currently under construction.
More than 30 buildings will eventually be connected.
Sibelga is in charge of the roadworks for laying the pipes and will also operate the network from 2027 on.
A marriage of 'electrons and green molecules'
So far, Brussels' energy future seems to be shaping up as a mix of electrons and green molecules.
In other words, part of the city's heating needs could be met by renewable electricity, and the rest by heating networks or carbon-free gases.
