A few years ago, it appeared that the earth underVierpolders was extremely suitable for geothermal heat: at 2,300 metres deep, thereis a porous sand layer with water of about 85°C. Eight businesses from thehorticultural sector provided the impetus for the Vierpolders project. Thecollaboration gained the name 'Aardwarmte Vierpolders'.
All the promoters have been actively working for years onmaking their business processes more sustainable. For a number of them, Flynthwas already involved as an adviser. From this existing relationship, theadvisers from Flynth started discussions with participating businesses todevelop healthy prospects for geothermal energy, that fitted with theindividual and collective business vision, strategy and future aims.
A geothermal heat project of this scale has a lot ofoperational, financial, strategic, legal and organisational aspects. Flynthadvised the collective and the associated businesses, from the business planand financing of the project business vehicle to the subsidy application. The integralteam of advisers forms a single point of contact that has an overview of the wholeproblem.
Why geothermal heat in Vierpolders?
• Stable energy price for the glasshouse growers and therefore not dependent on the (geo) political price setting of gas and oil
• Lowering of CO2 emissions by more than 25 kiloton per year
• Healthier living environment for people living nearby: less CO2 and dust
• Saving of about 14 million m3 gas per year for the growers
Where is the project now?
The drilling has now begun. The drill is currently at a depth of 1300 metres and will eventually reach about 2.3 kilometres deep. The drilling will last about three months. After that, the heat transportation pipes will be laid. The geothermal heat source will apparently first come into use from the end of 2015, providing heat to the participating businesses.
Geothermal heat has a future
Up to 20 percent of the heat requirements in horticulture in the Netherlands can be supplied by geothermal heat. In this way, the sector can substantially reduce their use of fossil fuel. The government is stimulating the use of geothermal heat by way of various regulations. The project in Vierpolders is being supported, among others, by the European Fund for Regional Development.
Flynth sees a bright future in geothermal energy and other renewable energy sources. Flynth is directly or indirectly linked with a large number of the geothermal heat projects in Dutch horticulture. Flynth is proud to bring to fruition this sustainable geothermal heat project in Vierpolders.