Geothermal energy utilisation in The Netherlands has been experiencing a tremendous growth in recent years, mainly due to the development of policy instruments that tackled barriers such as geological uncertainty, high upfront costs, and the difficulty in ensuring adequate financing. Today, The Netherlands is one of the fastest growing European market, especially in the heating sector. There are 16 large heating plants in operation and about 50,000 individual geothermal heating systems.

The hosting city of The Hague, which aims to become carbon-neutral by 2040, is also looking at geothermal energy for their energy needs. In the next 5 years, at least 4 geothermal heating plants are planned to become operational in the city.

Deputy Mayor Joris Wijsmuller, Urban Development and Sustainability, said: “Geothermal heat is key for the city of The Hague: it enables us to reach carbon neutrality in a cost effective way in 2040.  Eventually, we expect to fulfil half of the city’s heat demand with geothermal heat. Since sustainability in general and alternative energy sources in particular are crucial issues in our city, we are delighted to welcome this year’s EGC in The Hague”.