Collective heat networks – the added value of a public-private partnership

Invest-NL makes financing feasible what initially seems unfinancierable! But how do you do that when it comes to collective heat networks and systems? Over the past year, Invest-NL, together with various partners such as heat companies and municipalities, has worked on a new collaboration model for the development and financing of large-scale collective heat networks. Following the earlier whitepaper on heat networks, Invest-NL, in collaboration with Berenschot, has developed this model further.

The core of the paper is that it pays off for the public and private sectors to work together in the development and financing of this kind of complex and capital-intensive projects. Of course, each from their own role and responsibility, but also with a shared goal of developing an attractive proposition for residents on one hand, and a healthy business case for potential investors and heat companies on the other. By jointly developing such large projects, risks are shared/mitigated and complexity reduced, making it feasible and encouraging other financiers to get involved. In light of recent developments, such as tariff discussions and supply security, this model can offer a solution.