Dutch Hospital Becomes First to Eliminate Gas Dependency Using Revolutionary Heat Battery Technology
Drachten, Thursday, 26 March 2026.
Nij Smellinghe hospital will save the equivalent of 275 households’ annual gas consumption through groundbreaking PowerStove technology that stores renewable energy as heat up to 360°C for weeks.
Revolutionary PowerStove Technology Drives Healthcare Energy Transition
Nij Smellinghe hospital has secured government funding to become the Netherlands’ first healthcare facility to completely eliminate natural gas dependency through an innovative heat battery system developed by Zwolle-based company Heatwacht [1]. The PowerStove technology converts sustainable electricity into thermal energy, storing it in magnetite (iron ore) at temperatures up to 360°C for extended periods ranging from days to weeks [1]. This revolutionary approach allows the hospital to generate steam for critical operations including sterilization, pharmacy processes, kitchen facilities, air humidification, and peak heating demands while maintaining complete energy independence from fossil fuels [1].
Substantial Gas Savings and Environmental Impact
The implementation of the PowerStove system will deliver significant environmental benefits, with the hospital expected to save 285,000 cubic meters of natural gas annually [1]. To put this conservation effort into perspective, this volume represents approximately the equivalent of 275 households’ annual gas consumption [1]. Arno Vredevoort, manager of Technical Management and Maintenance at Nij Smellinghe, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to sustainability: “In 2027 gebruiken we geen fossiele brandstoffen meer en stoten we geen CO₂ meer uit voor energie” (In 2027, we will no longer use fossil fuels and will no longer emit CO₂ for energy) [1]. The heat storage capacity averages three days, providing operational security while maintaining sustainable practices [1].
Implementation Timeline and Technical Specifications
Construction preparations for installing two PowerStove units, each measuring 8 meters by 3.5 meters by 3 meters, will commence before summer 2026, with full operational status expected by mid-spring 2027 [1]. The system operates by using green electricity to heat thermal oil, which subsequently transfers heat to magnetite stored in insulated containers [1]. The PowerStove units are constructed from sustainable, circular materials of European origin, are fully recyclable, and boast a lifespan of at least 30 years [1]. Emergency backup systems will utilize gas-fired steam boilers running on biodiesel rather than traditional fossil fuels [1].
Industry Leadership and Broader Implications
Hans Wolters, founder of Heatwacht, highlighted the pioneering nature of this project: “Met deze warmtebatterij laten we zien dat duurzame energieopslag ook op grote schaal mogelijk is. Nij Smellinghe durft te pionieren en zet een voorbeeld voor andere ziekenhuizen en grootverbruikers” (With this heat battery, we show that sustainable energy storage is also possible on a large scale. Nij Smellinghe dares to pioneer and sets an example for other hospitals and large consumers) [1]. Heatwacht, with more than 35 years of technical experience, specializes in heat batteries designed for sectors with high heat demands [1]. The company’s modular systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure while maintaining safety standards without fire hazards or emissions [1]. This project represents a significant milestone in the healthcare sector’s transition toward renewable energy sources and could serve as a blueprint for other large-scale facilities across the Netherlands.