Noord-Holland Allocates €1.3 Million for Gas-Free Neighborhoods
Haarlem, Tuesday, 10 December 2024.
Noord-Holland is relaunching a subsidy program with €1.3 million to help municipalities plan gas-free housing projects, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
Strategic Investment in Sustainable Heating
The Dutch province of Noord-Holland is taking decisive action in the transition away from natural gas, with €1.3 million available from an original €2 million fund [1]. This initiative comes at a crucial time when European regions are accelerating their green transition efforts, which have been notably fast-tracked by 5-10 years due to recent geopolitical developments [2].
Proven Success and Innovation
Already, ten Noord-Holland municipalities have successfully utilized this subsidy program, investing over €600,000 in heat transition projects [1]. A standout example is the innovative riothermie project in Amsterdam’s Buikslotermeer district, where research is underway to heat 870 homes using thermal energy from sewage water [1]. Provincial Deputy Rosan Kocken, responsible for Climate and Energy, has emphasized that all 44 municipalities in the province will be actively informed about this funding opportunity [1].
Substantial Support for Municipal Planning
Starting February 2025, municipalities can apply for subsidies covering up to two-thirds of their research costs, with a maximum of €300,000 per neighborhood plan [1]. This support is crucial as the Netherlands, traditionally dependent on natural gas [3], works to transition its infrastructure. The program specifically targets the development of detailed planning and implementation strategies for gas-free neighborhoods [1].
Ambitious Climate Goals
The initiative is part of Noord-Holland’s broader commitment to climate action, with the province facing the challenge of transitioning approximately 460,000 residential properties and 21,200 commercial buildings away from natural gas [1]. This aligns with the national objective of converting 7 million homes and 1 million business premises to sustainable heating solutions, such as heat pumps or district heating networks, by 2050 [1].