In this feature, we speak with key figures who have made a significant contribution to the development and realisation of Geothermie Delft: partners, suppliers, experts, and authorities. Read about their experiences, motivations, and lessons learned.
In 2007, in the Delft student pub Het Noorden—frequented by students of the former Applied Earth Sciences programme—a brilliant idea was born: using the Delft subsurface to heat the campus. What began as "beer-mat philosophy" evolved into Geothermie Delft, a feat of engineering that will soon provide sustainable local heat to the TU Delft Campus and student housing. As Project Manager at EBN (Energie Beheer Nederland), Maarten Middelburg has been closely involved in bringing this vision to life.
How did EBN become involved in Geothermie Delft?
MM: "EBN was aware of GTD early on, but at that time, we didn't have the mandate to participate in geothermal projects, so we had to let it go. It wasn't until around 2018 that the time was right for EBN to join forces with the Municipality of Delft and take further steps in developing the wells and the Delft heat network."
What does Geothermie Delft represent for EBN?
MM: "The GTD project is vital to EBN because it allows us to gather invaluable research insights and combine them with practical findings. We can then share this knowledge with the entire sector to accelerate the use of geothermal energy across the Netherlands. Furthermore, what makes this project unique is that we are demonstrating in Delft that geothermal energy can be effectively used to heat the built environment."
On a personal level, what are you most proud of?
MM: "I studied in Delft myself and first heard about the idea of developing geothermal energy on campus back in 2007 at Het Noorden. I’ve followed its progress ever since and have been involved in various ways, even before I joined EBN. In recent years, this became more intensive as EBN, alongside other shareholders and stakeholders, began taking increasingly concrete steps toward realisation.
Beyond the heat we will supply to the campus, we are collecting a vast amount of data that will allow TU Delft to conduct research for many years to come, strengthening the entire sector. This was only possible through the dedication of everyone involved, from the boards to the working and steering groups. We succeeded in getting everyone on the same page—and, more importantly, keeping them there!"
What challenges did you encounter along the way?
MM: "There were many—technical, financial, commercial, and regulatory. But once everyone in the chain realised we were all committed to making this a success, nothing was off the table for discussion."
What lessons can the rest of the Netherlands take from this?
MM: "That through collaboration, listening, trust, and openness, you can create something remarkable. Combined passion, supported and perhaps even driven by a deeply committed local council, can achieve extraordinary things."
