EIB, EC support renewable energy project in the Netherlands

EIB, EC support renewable energy project in the Netherlands

The European Investment Bank and European Commission have approved two new energy efficiency projects under the European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) programme aimed at helping cities and regions meet Europe’s climate policy goals. The first of the projects signed will convert a district heating network serving 25,000 homes and businesses in the Netherlands to renewable energy sources. The announcement was made on the margins of the Committee of the Region’s “Open Days” in Brussels, during which EIB organised a workshop on the Europe 2020 themes of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

The project, being implemented by Stadsverwarming Purmerend BV, is expected to produce a 30 percent improvement in efficiency of Purmerend’s district heating network. Heat in future will be generated from a mix of geothermal and biomass energy sources. In total, the project is expected to save an estimated 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. It will receive an ELENA grant of EUR 1.8 million to support procurement and implementation of the project, which has an investment cost around 45 times higher.