A big boost for the ailing Thialf. Sports minister Conny Helder (VVD) is nevertheless prepared to pay out 2.4 million euros so that the ice stadium can purchase a super battery.
The super battery is of great importance for the healthy operation of Thialf. With this installation, the skating temple is able to store the power of its own solar panels. In addition, it contains an energy management system that allows cheap electricity to be purchased in good time and resold at high market prices.
Cut energy bills by more than half
With this so-called energy hub, Thialf can more than halve the annual energy bill, resulting in a balanced budget and even room for replacement investments. Normally, Thialf pays about 900,000 euros in energy and last year even 1.9 million euros because of the extremely high gas prices.
Frisian governments adopt a principled attitude
The super battery requires an investment of approximately 3.5 million euros. Until recently, sports minister Helder did not want to contribute more than 1 million euros. Deputy Friso Douwstra (CDA) and the mayor and aldermen of Heerenveen had therefore shifted their lobby to the MPs. The message was strong: without a government grant and with persistently high energy costs, Thialf will not open after the summer. A damper for skating-loving Netherlands, but the harsh reality, according to the province and Heerenveen.
The Frisian authorities, both shareholders of Thialf, adopted a principled position. They were careful not to put the remaining 2.5 million euros on the rug themselves. They emphasized that they have already invested more than 62 million euros in the ice stadium over the past ten years and that they also contribute around 800,000 euros annually to its operation. Now it was really the state’s turn.
Minister Helder tacks
Lobbying the Chamber is no longer necessary. On Monday evening, Minister Helder still tacked after a meeting with the province and Heerenveen. “Se seach doe wol it’s interest of the energy hub”, explains Douwstra. ,,In fact, se fûn the super battery foar Thialf sels in foarbyld foar oare (top) sports akmodaasjes.”
Douwstra is very pleased with the result. ,,Hjir hawwe wy keihurd oan wurke. The arrival for Thialf sjocht der wer in stik better út.” He hopes that the energy hub can be put into use before the new skating season.
Caveat: state aid
The chosen financial construction is that the province advances the amount and that the government pays the required 3.5 million euros in phases up to and including 2025. Minister Helder does make a reservation: the aid must comply with state aid rules.
Thialf director Minne Dolsta was not yet available for a response.