New map shows potential of sewer thermal energy in Flanders

A new map showing the potential of sewer thermal energy in Flanders was presented in Leuven on Tuesday. The technology extracts heat from wastewater and sewage water.

The first Flemish project with sewer thermal energy was launched about 10 years ago. A social housing block with 93 flats in Leuven was heated with heat extracted from wastewater from the nearby UZ Leuven hospital.

Since then, however, the block has had to switch back to gas-fired heating, because of the cheaper social gas tariff compared to the cost for sustainable heat.

While the technical functioning of sewer thermal energy was successful, the technology is not yet breaking through. There are two other projects that run or will run on sewer thermal energy in Flanders: the buildings of Aquafin, the company managing water treatment infrastructure in Flanders, and a swimming pool and sports complex in Sint-Niklaas that will be ready in 2026. 

"This is the path we have to follow if we want to meet the climate goals"

The technology has a lot of potential, Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns said. “We have a very well-developed sewage network in Flanders: our sewage rate is 93 per cent,” he said. “The heat we can extract from that sewage water can be used to heat homes. This is the path we have to follow if we want to meet the climate goals.”

A new cooperation agreement between the Flemish sewer operators, Vlario and VVSG, should help to better market sewer thermal energy as a technical solution. The partners have set up a website that interested parties including property developers and public authorities can consult, mapping all possible sites and projects for sewer thermal energy.

An estimated 400 projects would be eligible, which would lead to an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 40,000 tonnes.

 

#FlandersNewsService | Underground sewer systems illuminated © BELGA PHOTO Guido Koppes Photo/IMAGO


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