Antwerp North Heat Network

The North Antwerp Heat Network utilizes residual heat from the rotary kilns of Indaver, where industrial waste is thermally processed. In February 202, the network started to supply heat to industrial customer Boortmalt NV, a malting company that uses the heat in its processes. In a second phase, network operator Fluvius will connect a district heating network to supply schools, public buildings, and 3.200 households in three neighborhoods in northern Antwerp. The network has a total capacity of about 60 MW, playing a crucial role in Antwerp’s urban energy policy and part of the city’s Heat Network Program (Roadmap 2030). Indaver and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges are developing the network, with additional support of Fluvius, Woonhaven social housing company and the Flemish government.

The Antwerp North Heat Network is Belgium’s first ‘open access’ heat network, allowing any company in the port to connect and use or supply residual heat.

CO2 Emission Reduction

The network operates in a closed circuit, transferring heat at about 105°C from Indaver to the Boortmalt plant, across ca 10km within the por of Antwerp. The cooled water (65°C) returns to Indaver for reuse. A secondary network supplies residential users, schools, and public buildings in the residential areas Luchtbal, Luithagen and Rozemaai. This system significantly reduces natural gas usage and decreases CO2 emissions by 80.000 tons per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 25.000 households in Antwerp.

Residual heat Networks

Residual heat refers to heat released during an industrial production process. A residual heat network, an alternative to fossil fuel heating, consists of a well-insulated. underground pipeline network that transports hot water from one place (industry) to another (industry and homes) for various heating applications.