Geothermal heat pumps in Eindhoven City Hall
Overview
The Dutch city of Eindhoven is at the forefront of the energy revolution with innovative energy storage solutions, exemplified by the geothermal heating and cooling system at the City Hall and City Hall Tower.
Eindhoven’s City Hall complex has indeed become a model of energy efficiency and sustainability. As part of the 'Smart Sustainable Municipal Buildings' program, the city implemented an open geothermal energy system, making the buildings completely natural gas-free since mid-2020. Using a heat and cold storage system (WKO), the city captures and stores thermal energy in the ground, effectively utilizing natural heat in the summer and cold in the winter. This method not only reduces reliance on polluting natural gas but also leverages existing environmental conditions to create a renewable energy cycle.
Expansion
In October 2021, the system was expanded to include the data center at City Hall. This data center, essential for the municipality’s digital services, generates substantial heat, which is now stored in the ground or upgraded with a heat pump to heat the City Hall and Tower. This innovative use of residual heat saves at least 60,000 kWh/year, equivalent to the annual consumption of 20 to 30 households.
The geothermal system at Eindhoven City Hall is designed with future sustainability in mind. It is prepared to supply nearby buildings with energy, forming part of a larger, expandable heating and cooling network. This not only optimizes the use of underground heat and cold sources in the bustling inner-city area but also sets a benchmark for other cities to follow.