Heijmans to provide sustainable heating system for new Utrecht district

Royal Heijmans has been awarded the concession for the Integrated Heating System in the Papendorp Noord and Groenewoud area development in Utrecht. Heijmans is responsible for the design, realisation and operation of the heating system. Heijmans’ energy business unit will execute the concession.

The design, realisation and maintenance of this project will generate a revenue of € 80 million. In addition, Heijmans will receive income from the operation of the system during the concession period, which is currently estimated at € 200 million. With the award of this heating concession to Heijmans’ energy business unit (Heijmans Energy), both parties have opted for a future-proof and sustainable energy solution for one of the largest area developments in Utrecht.

Over the next 10 years, Papendorp Noord and Groenewoud will see the development of a new mixed residential and working area, with approximately 3,650 homes, 75,000 m² of office space, a hotel, a school, commercial facilities and a mobility hub. The guiding principles in the area development are sustainability, client satisfaction, security of supply and affordability.

Area-specific heating and cooling

The municipality of Utrecht awarded Heijmans Energy the heating and cooling concession for this area. Heijmans Energy will be responsible for the design, financing, realisation and operation of the heating system for the coming decades. The municipality will remain the legal owner of the infrastructure, while Heijmans Energy will acquire economic ownership for a maximum period of 40 years.

Innovative and sustainable energy system

The new energy system consists of local renewable energy sources, primarily using thermal energy storage doublets (hot and cold sources for energy storage in the ground) in combination with aquathermal energy from the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, plus three technical rooms with electric heat pumps. This represents a major step forward in sustainability, comfort and affordability thanks to modern technology.

Heijmans as a sustainable leader

For Heijmans, this assignment is a logical continuation of its ambition to help create a healthy living environment. “With Heijmans Energy, we are committed to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions,” says Bart Smolders of Heijmans. “This area development shows how technology, feasibility and sustainability can go hand in hand. With this system, we are creating a healthy living environment for the future residents of and visitors to Groenewoud and Papendorp.”