Over 70 visitors discover the Oostland Heat Cluster during Open Energy Day
Today, as part of the national Open Energy Day, Gaia Energy opened the doors to the Oostland Heat Cluster. Over 70 visitors hopped onto an open-top English double-decker bus to see for themselves how a regional sustainable heat system is being built in Oostland.
The day began at our geothermal site on the Abraham Verweijweg in Berkel en Rodenrijs. Gaia Energy colleagues explained how geothermal energy works and discussed the development of the Oostland Heat Cluster. Afterward, visitors set off on an open-top English double-decker bus for a tour through Bleiswijk and Berkel en Rodenrijs.
From source and heat network to user
Along the way, it became clear how the various components of the heat system are interconnected: from the geothermal source and the construction of new infrastructure to the actual use of sustainable heat in greenhouse horticulture.
The route included stops at the developments on the Petuniaweg and the Noordpolder heat network. At various locations, Gaia Energy colleagues spoke about the work, the technology, and the steps required to further expand the regional heat system.
It also became clear that the development is in full swing. For instance, Roseboom was hard at work today installing the heat network. This allowed visitors not only to hear about what is being developed but also to see the work in progress.
Geothermal energy in practice
One of the stops was at tomato grower A and G van den Bosch on the Petuniaweg in Bleiswijk. Here, visitors were given a tour of the facility and saw how geothermal energy is applied in practice within greenhouse horticulture.
The tour provided a great look at the other side of the heat chain: not just how sustainable heat is produced and transported, but especially how it is ultimately used by the end consumer. As a tasty conclusion, visitors were given a box of tomatoes to take home.
Also on the local menu
The region was also literally on the menu during the reception. Caterer Sebastiaan provided delicious sandwiches, which included tomatoes from A and G van den Bosch. A meatball sandwich was also on the menu, made with meatballs from butcher shop Jan de Rooij in Berkel en Rodenrijs. This gave local products and entrepreneurs a place during this special day.
Working together on sustainable heat
With over 70 visitors, we look back on a successful Open Energy Day. The questions, conversations, and interest shown along the way demonstrated how valuable it is to open our doors and show people what happens behind the scenes.
The Oostland Heat Cluster shows that sustainable heat is about more than just a geothermal source. It is the connection between sources, heat networks, users, and the surrounding area that makes the development of a regional heat system possible.
Thanks to all the visitors, colleagues, and involved parties who made this Open Energy Day possible!
