The local energy cooperative MeerEnergie has been awarded a €30 million grant from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency to help construct a district heating network in the Middenmeer neighborhood.
The funding comes from the national Warmtenetten Investeringssubsidie, a government grant designed to accelerate the installation of sustainable heating systems across Dutch residential areas.
The plan involves capturing waste heat generated by a data center located at Amsterdam Science Park and distributing it to local properties.
Overcoming years of financial uncertainty
Founded in 2015 by local residents, the initiative aims to transition thousands of households away from fossil fuels and natural gas.
The project previously faced significant financial hurdles and uncertainty regarding its viability, particularly when city budget shortfalls put street-level pipe work in doubt during sewer upgrades.
Organizers say the new national subsidy resolves key funding gaps and clears the way to secure additional private and institutional capital.
Building the largest resident-owned network
The system is designed to eventually supply heat to more than 5,000 homes and businesses across the Middenmeer area in Watergraafsmeer.
Project leaders state that over 1,300 neighborhood residents have already signed preliminary contracts to connect their properties to the network once construction is complete.
Initial underground pipe installation carried out by the City of Amsterdam has already begun in parts of the district.
Lower heating bills expected by 2027
Organizers expect the confirmed funding to boost local participation, as the system is projected to offer lower monthly energy costs compared to traditional gas connections.
The project is set to become the largest resident-owned neighborhood heat grid in the Netherlands once operational.
If construction stays on schedule, the first residential properties in Middenmeer are expected to be connected to the grid in three years.
