€200 million financing framework enables next phase of geothermal energy in Central Oostland

The successful financing of 85 Degrees Renewable by ING and Rabobank marks a significant next step in the development of geothermal energy in Central Oostland. A €200 million financing framework will enable the next implementation phase of the geothermal cluster. This creates a solid foundation for developing new geothermal sources, further expanding the heat infrastructure, and continuing the sustainability efforts of the greenhouse horticulture sector in the region. Furthermore, the financing supports the continued growth of 85 Degrees Renewable's sustainable heat platform.

From financing to an integrated heat system

The financing enables more than just the development of new geothermal sources. It also provides the scope to further develop the geothermal cluster as a single, integrated heat system. By developing source extraction, heat infrastructure, heat supply, and future expansions in tandem from the outset, a robust and scalable energy system is created that serves as a model for future geothermal projects in the Netherlands.

Building sustainable heat together

Within the Bleiswijk and Berkel en Rodenrijs geothermal cluster, Gaia Energy is collaborating with 85 Degrees Renewable and investment partner Foresight on the development, realization, and operation of multiple geothermal projects and their associated heat infrastructure. In doing so, 85 Degrees Renewable combines the investment power of Foresight with Gaia Energy's years of knowledge and experience in the field of geothermal energy. Together, the parties are building a scalable platform for sustainable heat that contributes to the further decarbonization of Dutch greenhouse horticulture.

From the sites at Petuniaweg, Verweijweg, and future development locations, work is underway on a future-proof heat system where geothermal energy forms the reliable foundation. The heat infrastructure is designed to grow alongside heat demand and provides space for the connection of additional sustainable heat sources. This creates a flexible energy system that is ready for the future.

"Geothermal energy requires patience and strong collaboration. This financing enables us to continue building an integrated heat system in which geothermal sources, infrastructure, and heat supply are optimally aligned. It is precisely this cohesion that makes geothermal energy scalable and future-proof. In Central Oostland, we are demonstrating that this integrated approach is not only technically feasible but can also be successfully realized."

Nico Kuipers
Managing Director, Gaia Energy

More than a geothermal project

For Gaia Energy, this project goes beyond the development of new geothermal sources. Together with partners, we are working on an integrated heat system in which source development, heat infrastructure, heat supply, and future expansions are developed as a single entity. In doing so, Gaia Energy is at the forefront of developing integrated geothermal systems in the Netherlands.

Sustainable heat for greenhouse horticulture

The geothermal cluster is focused on supplying reliable, sustainable base-load heat to greenhouse horticulture businesses in Central Oostland. With the further expansion of the heat system, more than 30 greenhouse businesses will eventually have access to sustainable geothermal energy. This will allow them to significantly reduce their dependence on natural gas while simultaneously strengthening the sector's security of supply, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Collaboration as the foundation for sustainable heat

Large-scale geothermal projects only come to fruition through intensive collaboration between developers, investors, financiers, permit holders, government authorities, and heat customers. The successful completion of this financing demonstrates that geothermal energy is developing into a mature and investable infrastructure, through which sustainable heat can be made available on an increasingly large scale.

"Projects like these only succeed when technology, financing, and collaboration go hand in hand. The involvement of all partners confirms the confidence in geothermal energy as a mature heating solution. It is this combination of expertise, investment power, and long-term collaboration that forms the basis for successful implementation and further scaling of sustainable heat in the Netherlands."

Nicole Mol
Director of Operations, Gaia Energy

Contributing to the energy transition

Geothermal energy is playing an increasingly important role in the Dutch energy transition. By supplying sustainable heat directly to customers, we not only reduce CO₂ emissions but also decrease the need for large-scale electrification of heat. In this way, geothermal energy can help reduce the pressure on the electricity grid and contribute to a future-proof energy system.

The integrated approach Gaia Energy applies in Central Eastland extends beyond greenhouse horticulture. We also apply the knowledge and experience gained here to projects in the built environment. For example, Geothermie Delft demonstrates how geothermal energy can contribute to making homes, educational institutions, and other buildings more sustainable. In doing so, we build on proven expertise and contribute to the further development of sustainable heating systems in the Netherlands.

Want to know more about the financing and vision of 85 Degrees Renewable, Foresight, ING, and Rabobank? Read the original news article.

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