Thanks to aquathermal energy, approximately 180 tons of CO₂ are saved annually, comparable to the absorption of 6,000 trees. The central boiler room combines heat pumps with a capacity of 900 kW, which switch flexibly between ground and river heat. This makes the system energy efficient and financially cheaper than individual heat pumps.
According to Artes Group, Kaai City is a game changer: combining aquathermal energy and geothermal energy at district level makes sustainable heat structurally scalable. Flemish Minister Melissa Depraetere emphasizes that Flanders is focusing on energy “from us: water, sun and wind”, and calls the Kortrijk scoop a step towards more energy security.