Geothermal Group Netherlands (GGN) has put an end to plans to extract geothermal heat at 25 locations within the horticultural area near Erica. GGN and the local gardeners have not reached an agreement about the decrease in geothermal heat. Greenhouse horticulture sees more benefit in heat pumps.
The extraction of geothermal heat, which is also called geothermal energy, is done by pumping warm water from the ground. The heat can be used, among other things, to heat homes, but also for the greenhouses of local greenhouse growers. As large consumers of gas, these entrepreneurs are looking for sustainable alternatives.
In 2019, GGN took the initiative to realize geothermal energy in the area. Last year it received the so-called exploration permit, but that has now expired. “It’s a great shame and we are really disappointed,” responds a disappointed GGN chairman André Mol.
He can understand the gardeners’ choice for heat pumps. “This technology has been made very attractive through subsidies, partly inspired by lobbying from agriculture and greenhouse horticulture.” Geothermal energy is not subsidized, which makes banks reluctant to financially support the necessary investments. “But it is very sad that this project cannot go ahead for that reason.”
According to GGN, heat pumps are also a lot more polluting because they use electricity generated from natural gas.
According to chairman Martijn van Geel of Spes Nostra (area cooperative of the Erican gardeners), the story was simply not convincing enough. “Unclear, vague and not concrete,” Van Geel summarizes. “We discussed it for a year, but in the end no one understood it.”
One of the points that is not clear to gardeners is the yield. “According to GGN, this would be five times higher than that of heat pumps.” That sounded very ambitious to the gardeners. “Geothermal energy requires an investment of millions, while the technology is still in its infancy. GGN’s story offered too little certainty in this regard.”
That lack of confidence partly tipped the balance in favor of heat pumps, according to Van Geel. “An already proven technology.” The requested subsidies have now been granted.
The gardeners face an enormous challenge with regard to their energy management. They must get rid of gas by 2040, ten years earlier than private individuals. They hope to achieve that goal using a variety of techniques. “In addition to heat pumps, you can also consider aquathermal energy in combination with heat storage, where heat is extracted from, for example, the Dommerskanaal.”
Van Geel also mentions residual heat from surrounding industry, such as the Getec park. Geothermal energy has not yet been completely written off by gardeners. “Given the challenge we face, we will also keep that door open.”