In northern Antwerp, energy provider Fluvius has begun construction of Flanders largest heating network to date.

Residual heat from the waste-processing company Indaver will be used from the end of this year to heat about 3,800 social housing units, eight schools, and a municipal workshop in the Luchtbal (Antwerp) and Rozemaai (Ekeren) neighborhoods. 

Such a heating network is not only sustainable but also an affordable, local, and safe alternative to gas and fuel oil.

The residual heat from Indaver’s incineration plants will be transported to the neighborhoods through well-insulated pipes. The first connections could take place at the end of this year, and the entire heating network should be ready by the end of 2028.

Sustainable alternative

The district heating network is a key project for Antwerp’s urban climate goals, as it reduces CO2 emissions and offers a sustainable alternative to gas and oil for heating. The entire project would result in an annual CO2 savings of nearly 11 kilotons.

Antwerp aims to build the largest heating network in Flanders, thereby eliminating the CO2 emissions equivalent to those of thousands of cars each year. “Climate policy must be tangible and bring benefits to the people who live here,” concludes Karim Bachar (Vooruit), Antwerp Alderman for the Environment.

Flanders and the Netherlands

In Flanders alone, around 90 to 100 heating networks have been identified that supply heat to residential areas, industrial estates, and city districts.

A district heating network functions like a large-scale central heating system. It transports heat from heat sources to heat consumers. For example, heat can be distributed from one business to another, homes, offices, and/or a swimming pool.

The Netherlands has a rapidly growing number of heating networks, and France also has nearly 900 operational heating networks. Germany also has a well-developed network.

Other countries

In Northern and Eastern Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic States, heating networks are widely used; in some cities, they cover 40 to 60% of heating needs.

District heating networks are important for the energy transition because they reduce CO₂ emissions, provide affordable heat, and integrate flexible heat sources, such as large heat pumps, biomass, or geothermal energy.