Ameland has geothermal energy and heating networks investigated

Ameland is conducting research into whether geothermal energy and heating networks will be interesting for the island’s sustainable heat supply in the near future. As a first step, the municipality recently signed a letter of intent with Ghiocel Energy, developer of geothermal projects, and a letter of intent with Firan, specialist in infrastructure for new energy. In parallel, Ameland is starting discussions with residents about sustainable heat in their homes. Ameland wants to be free of natural gas by 2035.

Ghiocel will investigate whether it is feasible to use geothermal heat more than 3,000 meters underground on Ameland to heat homes. Much is already known about the subsurface from gas extraction and other conditions on the island also seem favorable. That is why Ghiocel thinks that despite the island’s relatively small heat demand, a profitable geothermal project is still possible. The company has operational experience with geothermal projects in various European countries; it is also currently investigating the options for geothermal energy on the German Wadden Island of Borkum.

Promising innovations

Firan, a subsidiary of network company Alliander, will investigate in the coming months whether heating networks of different shapes and sizes on Ameland are attractive. Innovations in the field of heat distribution seem promising. Firan is also looking at the possibilities for hydrogen production for heating buildings and homes.

New insights

For years it was assumed that Ameland was not a logical place for geothermal energy and heating networks. The number of homes is limited and therefore also the total heat demand of the island. The high investments in, for example, geothermal energy or heating networks therefore weigh more heavily than in urban areas with a high heat demand. The parties that have now concluded a letter of intent believe, based on advancing insights, that geothermal energy and heating networks may be interesting after all. Ameland is also an attractive research area, because the effects on an island are clearly visible.

Input from residents and companies

The municipality of Ameland will soon start discussions with residents and entrepreneurs about the island’s heat supply. Even before the Firan and Ghiocel studies are completed, the municipality wants to exchange ideas with future users about the requirements and wishes that the future energy and heat supply must meet, regardless of the technology. In the second half of the year, the results of the research and the discussions held will be brought together.

In the photo from left to right: Luc van Tiggelen (municipality of Ameland), Arno Vervoort (Ghiocel), Harry Hollander (Ghiocel), Piet IJnsen (alderman of the municipality of Ameland), Douwe van de Meer (Firan), Simon Goes (Firan) and Erwin de Boer (municipality of Ameland).