In this section, we speak with key figures who have made a significant contribution to the development and realisation of Geothermie Delft: partners, suppliers, experts, and government bodies. Read about their experiences, motivations, and lessons learned.
As Head of Energy Management, Hubert Linssen is responsible for the reliable supply of electricity and heat to the entire TU Delft campus. Within the Geothermie Delft (GTD) project, he bridges the gap between innovative geothermal energy and practical application, acting on behalf of TU Delft as a facilitator, shareholder, and strategic off-taker of sustainable heat.
Why is the Energy Management department such a crucial link within the geothermal project on campus?
H: "My department is responsible for the daily supply of energy and heat to all buildings on the TU Campus. For us, Geothermie Delft is not just an external project; it is an integral part of our strategy to make the campus carbon-neutral by 2030. We facilitate GTD quite literally by providing physical space on campus, but our role goes much deeper than simply leasing a plot of land."
So, you are more than just the ‘host’ for the location of the geothermal well?
H: "Certainly. Energy Management fulfils a dual role. On the one hand, as a shareholder, we are actively involved in the development of Geothermie Delft B.V., and we act as the implementer of scientific research on behalf of the faculties. On the other hand, we are also the largest consumer of the heat that will soon be drawn from the subsurface. The geothermal source will take a significant bite out of our total carbon footprint. In doing so, we are bridging the gap between world-class scientists and the practical decarbonisation of our own buildings."
A critical point with renewable energy is often continuity of supply. How can you guarantee that?
H: "That is exactly where my team plays an essential role: in continuity. We act as the backup. Should there be a technical hitch with the geothermal installation, our systems are ready to step in. We will soon be using high-temperature thermal storage as a buffer for the geothermal plant, and we are keeping our Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant operational as a backup. This ensures that our 26,000-plus students and 7,500 staff members always remain warm, while we accelerate the energy transition through the use of geothermal energy."
Why is it important that TU Delft research is applied across the entire campus?
H: "TU Delft is a frontrunner in energy research. If the research or innovation of our scientists works in a lab or a pilot setting, that is, of course, a great start. However, the real gain – both for the climate and for the validation of the technology – lies in scaling up. That is why we want to utilise our campus as a 'living lab'. By directly linking the geothermal source to the campus infrastructure, we prove that these innovations are ready for society. What we achieve here could eventually be replicated at hundreds of business parks across the Netherlands. This makes Geothermie Delft a true source of both energy and knowledge for Delft and the rest of the country."
