Largest Dutch geothermal heat project to supply 13 Growers United growing sites with sustainable heat

After eighteen months of preparations, the financial agreement for the HVC Aardwarmte Maasdijk and Warmte Netwerk Westland geothermal heat project has finally been signed. Delivering around 45-60 MWth, the project will supply sustainable heat to some 80 growers, including 13 cultivation sites of Growers United members. Because there is no certainty in advance in terms of cost and yields with geothermal heat, the risks are being spread over five banks and insurance companies who signed up to finance the Netherlands’ largest ever geothermal heat project.

The project involves a pipeline of approximately 40 kilometres in length. The various geothermal projects in the Westland area will ultimately be connected to one another, forming a larger heat network to which not only greenhouse growers but also other businesses and homes can be connected.

Substantial reduction in CO2 emissions
Jacco Besuijen, Product Group Manager at Growers United and also chair of the Maasdijk Heat Cooperative, is convinced that the approach and size of this geothermal heat project will go a long way towards making the greenhouse horticulture sector in Westland more sustainable in terms of its energy needs. For greenhouse growers in the region – all members of the Maasdijk heat cooperative – the geothermal project is proof that collaboration and joint investment in the energy transition are necessary. Reactions from Glastuinbouw Nederland are also positive. “A lot of growers have faced high gas prices in recent months,” Jacco explains. “With geothermal heat as a sustainable source of heat for growers and homes, our sector is helping to substantially reduce Dutch CO2 emissions, as agreed in the Paris Climate Accord.”

Successful initial drilling
It was recently announced that the well test of the first Aardwarmte Maasdijk doublet was a success. This test proved that enough hot water can be pumped out of the ground from a depth of three kilometres to supply sustainable energy for greenhouse growers. The second well test will be carried out in February and the third in April. These are also expected to be successful, paving the way for the next step.

To keep up with the latest developments, go to https://www.aardwarmtemaasdijk.nl.