On February 29, 2024, the Antwerp North Heat Network was officially launched by Mayor Bart De Wever, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy practices in the port of Antwerp. The innovative pipeline network, connecting Indaver Antwerp and Boortmalt, allows Boortmalt to utilize residual heat from Indaver’s industrial waste processing as a green alternative to natural gas and combined heat and power (CHP) for malt production. Notably, this network is Belgium’s first ‘open access’ heat network, creating opportunities for new suppliers and customers in the region.
The Antwerp North Heat Network, powered by residual heat from Indaver’s rotary kilns, contributes to substantial savings on fossil fuels and a noteworthy reduction in CO2 emissions. With financial support from the Flemish government through the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency, the project demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability. Boortmalt, the world’s largest malting production site, is set to save a significant amount of natural gas equivalent to the annual consumption of around 10,000 households, emphasizing the impact of transitioning to waste heat.
Looking ahead, the completion of the industrial heat network paves the way for a residential network, enhancing sustainability in schools, public buildings, and over 3,200 households in two high-rise districts in the north of Antwerp. This transition is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 80,000 tonnes annually when the heat network reaches full capacity, aligning with the goal to make the city more eco-friendly. A notable aspect of this initiative is its ‘open access’ nature, inviting any heat-producing or heat-sourcing company in the port to connect, fostering collaboration among businesses in the circular economy within the ‘Next Gen District.’ The success of this endeavor is the result of partnerships between Indaver, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Fluvius, the City of Antwerp, and the Flemish government, collectively working towards a greener, climate-friendly future.