Noord-Holland doubts geothermal energy instead of gas

In Noord-Holland, there is a negotiation on energy supply if no gas can be used in 2050. Geothermal heat is considered a useful alternative. But the VVD, the largest party in the province, wants to stop new drilling. The CDA wants initiatives to switch to geothermal energy not "frustrate".

In the case of geothermal energy, relatively hot water (large) depth is pumped and used to heat homes or businesses. Once cooled, the water is pumped again

The solar and wind energy is not enough to meet the energy needs when there will be more gas available in 2050, many is currently invested in the (pilot) drilling of geothermal heat.

Drilling for temporary shutdown

But the VVD Noord-Holland wants a temporary stop of these boreholes "as long as the risks to the safety and the environment of the geothermal energy does not exist. have not been studied ". "Until these risks are better defined, we consider that it is wise to continue to make decisions on license applications in Alkmaar, Den Helder, Haarlem, Middenmeer, Midwoud / Hoorn, Noord- Holland Noord and Velsen ".

"Once it is clear that generation can be really safe, then permits can be granted," says Marco Wiesehahn, a member of VVD, at NH News. He emphasizes that state supervision of mines requires first more research.

"The sector has a weak safety culture, environmental and safety risks are generally not recognized and controlled, and laws and regulations are not respected. , wrote this supervisor a year ago

Where Few People Live

"State mine monitoring is too focused on fossil fuels and the risks of extracting them," says Jaap Bond ( CDA). "I think there should be separate legislation for geothermal energy."

At the same time, unlike the VVD, Bond sees no objection to licensing drilling, especially in areas where few people live. "Currently, there are a number of successful projects, such as Agriport A7 in Middenmeer where geothermal energy is used to heat 700 greenhouses and 2,800 homes, or Floricultura in Heemskerk."

Do not bother

The MP is the VVD agrees that more research is needed. But it's mostly drilling in areas with lots of buildings like Amsterdam. Bond: "But I really do not think that the existing initiatives in the poorly urbanized areas are not thwarted: you pump the water and pump it, and we, the provincial government, have said that by 2050 just over 20% of households and businesses the heat used is extracted from the ground, what should you do with this energy transition? "