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.
Ivan Das of Rabobank and Peter Borghsteijn of the Nederlandse Waterschapsbank (NWB Bank) jointly took on the challenge of financing a new, sustainable heating system in Delft. Their goal: to heat the city using clean geothermal energy. While Rabobank has been financing geothermal projects since 2006, this project marks a first for NWB Bank.
A long-term commitment
Ivan Das: "Rabobank first came into contact with the DAP Foundation – a group of TU Delft students aiming to realise geothermal energy on campus – about 15 years ago. We have remained involved ever since, first as a sponsor and now as a financier."
Peter Borghsteijn: "I also met the initial initiators, then operating under the name Geomec, 15 years back. Following our experience in financing heat networks, solar, and wind farms, geothermal energy was a logical next step for NWB Bank as a financing partner for making the Netherlands more sustainable."
A strategic milestone
Peter: "For NWB Bank, this is the first geothermal source we have financed, and it certainly won't be the last. There is a massive task ahead in making housing gas-free, and geothermal energy will undoubtedly play a key role as a sustainable source."
Ivan: "Back in 2006, when the first geothermal project was launched, geothermal heat in the Netherlands was primarily used for greenhouse horticulture. Geothermie Delft is unique because it combines scientific research with sustainable heat delivery to the built environment. Furthermore, it strengthens our relationships with partners such as the Municipality of Delft, Stedin, and local housing associations."
Pride in perseverance and collaboration
Ivan: "In practice, we unfortunately see many promising concepts fail after years of preparation. The fact that we succeeded in Delft is due to a combination of persistence and excellent stakeholder management."
Peter: "These are indeed long-term projects. I am proud that it has now actually been realised. Our goal now is to shorten the development time for future projects within urban environments."
Lessons for the sector
The process was challenging and complex due to the involvement of many different parties, from shareholders to drilling specialists.
Ivan: "The most important lesson is that connecting all stakeholders in an urban environment is even more critical than in horticulture. Ambassadors such as Alderman Maaike Zwart and Geothermie Delft Director Rass Butt played a crucial role in this. Other municipalities can learn a great deal from their approach."
Peter: "Geothermie Delft is one of the first projects where geothermal heat is used on a large scale for both social and private housing. This can truly serve as a blueprint for the further roll-out of large-scale geothermal heating systems in the Netherlands. As a sustainable 'water bank', NWB hopes to share the knowledge we’ve gained and continue to play a significant role in the energy transition moving forward."
