How is Assen turning up the heat on affordability and sustainability?
From district heating to Energy Desks: Assen’s strategy for a greener, more sustainable city.
Fossil-free citiesAbout
In the Dutch city of Assen, the transition to renewable heating isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a mission that touches every citizen. The city is commited to becoming climate neutral by 2050, and its strategy combines innovative technology with social responsibility. This ambition has earned the city a place among the finalists for the European Green Leaf Award 2027.
Assen’s decarbonisation strategy
To achieve climate neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Assen developed a heat source roadmap last year. The plan identifies a range of sustainable energy sources available across the city, including geothermal energy, waste heat from companies, and water energy.
Assen’s long-term strategy relies on its district heating system to reduce dependence on individual gas boilers and fossil fuels. By focusing on renewable heating at the community level, the city addresses both carbon emissions and energy poverty, ensuring that the transition benefits all residents.
The city isn’t working alone, Assen is also part of the RODEO project (Rolling Out DHC Extensively to Home Owners), under the Interreg North-West Europe programme. This initiative aims to expand district heating and cooling (DHC) networks into residential areas, making sustainable heating feasible for more households while creating a viable business model for the network.
Putting affordability at the heart of Assen’s approach
Alongside enhancing its district heating, Assen has established neighbourhood Energy Desks. These local helpdesks provide residents with guidance on improving the energy efficiency of their homes, from subsidies for insulation to expert advice on installing solar panels.
By offering personalised advice and practical support, the Energy Desks ensure that the transition to sustainable heating is accessible to everyone, helping households reduce energy costs while contributing to the city’s climate goals through the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Let’s hear from Erwin Veldman, Team Manager for Energy Transition in Assen, as he explains how the city is rethinking its heating strategy.
