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.
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"I stepped in as Director of GTD in June 2024. At that point, the drilling phase had been successfully completed, but the next – and equally critical – phase was just beginning: the construction of the surface installations and the development of the heat network. For me, this meant joining a project already in motion, requiring the organisational and financial structures to be fully primed for long-term operation. My focus was on strengthening the organisation, establishing clear frameworks, and securing the necessary funding. The ultimate goal was to ensure GTD was ready to provide a stable, future-proof heat supply for the city."
What does this geothermal source mean for the energy supply in Delft?
"Geothermie Delft is a local, sustainable energy source that will provide thousands of homes and buildings in Delft with reliable, silent, and clean heat. It offers an excellent alternative to natural gas, with stable pricing that isn't dictated by international markets. Furthermore, we have designed the system to be robust and fully integrated, linking it to existing peak and backup facilities, a heat pump station, and thermal storage. This ensures we can utilise the heat as efficiently as possible throughout the entire year, making the system both scalable and future-proof."
On a personal level, what are you most proud of?
"I am proud that, as a collective, we have achieved something truly unique: a project that harmonises high-level expertise, public values, and innovation. When you visit the site now, you see a feat of engineering. But behind that lies more than seven years of perseverance, collaboration, and continuous learning, backed by the trust of our financiers, the market, and our end-users. The first heat that Geothermie Delft will soon deliver is the tangible result of those combined efforts."
What challenges or unexpected obstacles did you encounter along the way?
"The interplay between complex engineering, entrepreneurship, innovation, and regulation proved more challenging than anticipated. We invested a significant amount of time in coordinating with all stakeholders, from regulatory bodies to local residents. By maintaining transparent communication, learning together, and respecting each other’s pace, we were able to find the right solution time and time again."
What are the key lessons you have learned?
"Invest in collaboration from the very beginning—with supply chain partners, authorities, and the local community. Especially in complex heating projects, it is essential that all parties truly understand one another and recognise each other's positions."
