Mechelen Coalition of 25 Organizations Champions Renewable Heating for a Fossil-Free Future

Mechelen (Eurotoday): Mechelen aims to be fossil-free by 2050, collaborating with 25 organizations, including Aquafin and Fluvius. The city is developing heating networks using geothermal energy and sewage heat, supported by a €250,000 budget. Patrick Princen, the Energy and Climate alderman, emphasizes this initiative’s role in achieving climate goals.

Mechelen is working towards being fossil-free by 2050 and is bringing in experts to help with heating networks. About 25 organizations, including local groups like Klimaan and bigger companies like Fluvius and Aquafin, have formed a coalition. Aquafin is setting up the first heating network in the new Keerdok district, using heat from sewage water and geothermal energy from the ground.

What sustainable heating projects is Mechelen proposing for a fossil-free future?

Mechelen is working on a heating plan that uses sustainable energy sources like geothermal energy, and leftover heat. Patrick Princen, the city’s Energy and Climate alderman, said they want to contribute to climate efforts after the summit in Baku. The plan includes three projects: one for the new Ragheno district using water from the Leuven-Dile canal, another to connect industrial areas and neighborhoods in Mechelen-Noord and Nieuwe Vesten, and a third in Mechelen-Zuid to improve existing heating systems. These projects are part of two European programs and receive support from the Interreg North Sea Region program and the province of Antwerp.

Mechelen is looking for proposals until the end of December from partners with experience in heating networks. The chosen partner will do studies and create business plans. They will be selected based on price and quality, with a budget of 250,000 euros. First Alderman Princen said this project will help the city meet its climate goals and show how cities can lead in sustainable energy.