As original operator, ECW has decided to concentrate fully on energy and water applications at Agriport and in Andijk. Shell Geothermal will take over the role of ECW within the consortium. EBN will utilize its knowledge and expertise in the subsurface and is involved in that capacity as a non-executive partner. The required heat network is developed by Ennatuurlijk. The consortium will consist of the partners EBN, Ennatuurlijk, Shell and initiator Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma.
Geothermal energy is a promising sustainable energy source and can make an important contribution to the sustainable heat supply in the Netherlands. For example, it is estimated that by 2050, geothermal energy can provide a quarter of the heat demand for houses, buildings, horticulture and light industry in the Netherlands. One geothermal heat source can provide 6,000 homes with heat. Collaborations such as Warmte van Leeuwarden are of great importance to realize the climate ambitions in the Dutch climate agreement.
As a state participation, EBN implements parts of the climate and energy policy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. EBN plays a key role in connecting private and public parties in the energy sector and has the ambition to accelerate the energy transition.
Shell sees good opportunities in the Netherlands for the use of geothermal energy to make its heat supply more sustainable. Shell Geothermal has knowledge and expertise of the subsurface, the extraction of energy and the realization of large projects. With geothermal heat projects like Leeuwarden, Shell wants to contribute to the Dutch energy transition
