Delft's source of sustainable energy and knowledge
A partnership of Gaia Energy | TU Delft | EBN
Geothemie Delft is a partnership between
Gaia Energy | TU Delft | EBN
GTD is a unique project where research and industry converge at a pivotal moment in the energy transition. The urgency of this transition increases every day; our carbon emissions must be reduced by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), and 1.5 million households must be natural gas-free. Geothermal energy provides carbon-free heat and is vital for making heat demand more sustainable, while simultaneously contributing to our energy independence. As a local and essential heat source in the national energy mix of the future, it must now be scaled up sustainably.
Under the name Geothermie Delft, TU Delft, Gaia Energy, and EBN have taken a significant step forward in the energy transition by developing a geothermal source on the TU Delft campus. From 2026 on, this source provides heat equivalent to the consumption of 6,000 households. What makes this project unique is that TU Delft is simultaneously conducting research into the extraction and application of geothermal energy as a sustainable heat source.
By 2027, the source will not only provide sustainable heating for buildings and studenthousing on the TU Delft campus, but we will also extend the heat network to the Voorhof and Buitenhof districts in Delft.
Geothermie Delft is a unique project where a sustainable geothermal source is operated on the TU Delft Campus, while simultaneously being linked to an extensive scientific research and education programme at the university. Here, TU Delft conducts research into the safe and responsible scaling up of geothermal energy within the built environment. In this way, GTD is not only building a warmer and cleaner Delft, but also contributing to global expertise in the application of geothermal energy.
Early 2026: First heat was delivered to university buildings and student accomodation on the TU Delft Campus.
The heat supply on campus is equivalent to heating approximately 5,000 households.
We are extending the heat network to supply a further 6,000 homes in the Delft districts of Voorhof and Buitenhof by early 2027.
We are working towards a reduction of 20,000 tonnes of CO2 per year—equivalent to the emissions of driving around the world 2,500 times by car!
This makes it a unique example project, with which we conduct research into the safe and responsible upscaling of geothermal energy in the built environment.
The collaboration between researchers, industry, government and the urban environment of Delft offers a unique opportunity to further develop scientific knowledge about geothermal energy in a complex urban environment. And to put geothermal energy into practice immediately by supplying all residents and visitors to the university campus and a large part of the city of Delft with sustainable energy.
It is a unique opportunity for the Netherlands to further develop this necessary technology and innovation and to train students. It makes Delft proud because this is an important step towards a sustainable CO2-free campus and city.
