Tilburg aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. To achieve this, the city must transition to sustainable energy, phase out natural gas, and address the growing demand for electricity, cooling, and new technologies such as hydrogen and batteries. The 2050 energy system study helps to integrate energy considerations into urban development and policy choices. It provides direction and frameworks for spatial plans, programmes, and policies, and offers insight into the spatial demand for Tilburg’s future energy system.
CE Delft conducted this energy system study in collaboration with Antea Group and Generation.Energy. CE Delft mapped out the future energy demand and supply of the energy system, including a heat sources strategy for Tilburg’s district heating networks.
The assignment led to the following guiding principles for future policy and input for planning processes and developments within the municipality of Tilburg: a. Large-scale deployment of new district heating networks in the city, including the expansion and cascading of the existing regional district heating network. b. Further electrification of the energy supply. c. Use of hydrogen for industrial processes (above 200°C) and heavy transport. d. Development of decentralised (collective) energy systems using local & regional energy sources and storage.