Fluvius introduces district heating grid of the future in Genk
Unique thermal grid (CollecThor) operational at Thor Park
In the presence of Mayor Wim Dries,the innovative thermal network CollecThor was officially inaugurated today at Thor Park in Genk with the connection of the iconic Thor Central. This collective thermal network - which exchanges heat and cold - will sustainably heat and cool the existing and future buildings on the site. It is one of the first networks of its kind in Belgium and is part of a wider multi-energy system. The network is modular so that it can be quickly expanded and scaled up; and equipped with underground storage. In short, an important milestone for future-oriented energy supply in urban contexts.
Heat and cold are important energy carriers in the energy transition. Besides the electrification of our energy system - with applications such as heat pumps and electric vehicles - there is also a need for smart solutions that enable collective storage and exchange of thermal energy. CollecThor responds to this with a modular and low-temperature thermal grid that efficiently optimises heating and cooling across multiple buildings.
CollecThor, innovative heat and cold exchange ...
In the first phase, CollecThor connects the THOREAQ, Thor Central, IncubaThor and EnergyVille 1 and 2 buildings, then also the future buildings on seven building plots. The buildings of EnergyVille, IncubaThor and THOREAQ have already been connected. Today, exactly 101 years after coal mining started at this historic mine site,a symbolically important next connectionwas achieved with Thor Central - the iconic, central mine building .
The aim is to use the thermal network to sustainably heat and cool the buildings, while maximising the exchange of residual heat and cold between them. For example, residual heat from one building can be used to meet the energy demand of another. Storage is also provided underground, at a depth of 65 metres or more via so-called 'aquifers'. This allows surplus heat or cold to be temporarily stored for later reuse.
The modular nature also makes CollecThor a 'living' thermal grid. Indeed, it allows for further expansion and upgrades, unlike the heat networks that are standardly rolled out in Flanders today.
Moreover, CollecThor is an intelligent thermal grid. Its collective character is essential: instead of heating each individual home or building, this is done collectively and optimised. In doing so, the thermal grid acts as a shared source for the heat pumps located in the individual buildings. This makes the system ideal for urban environments where space is limited. The smart control system also provides real-time insight into production, distribution and offtake, enabling local optimisation.
... in a unique test environment for energy applications ...
Such research fits squarely within the function of the Open Thor Living Lab. "We are looking for a systems approach that integrates both electrical and thermal energy sources," said Gerrit Jan Schaeffer, CEO of EnergyVille . "By means of a smart control system, we map local and sustainably generated energy (both thermal and electrical) and to make the best possible local use of it. After all, we want to avoid electricity, heat and cold surpluses as much as possible or, where this is not possible, recover, store and exchange them between different sites, buildings and users. In this way, we are creating a unique and "living" test environment, with real users, where many innovations will be tested and optimised by researchers and industry players in the coming years."
... With benefits for the companies at Thor Park
For the companies already established on Thor Park today as well as for potential newcomers, CollecThor offers a concrete advantage: a sustainable and at the same time cost-efficient solution for heating and cooling. Thanks to the shared network and the exchange of residual heat, energy consumption is significantly lower. "With CollecThor we are taking a big step towards carbon neutrality, but at the same time we are creating a competitive advantage for the companies on our site," said Filip Vercauteren, director of Thor Park. "They can count on an innovative energy supply that is not only greener, but also more economically advantageous. This makes Thor Park extra attractive as a business location."
Joint forces
The modular thermal grid - designed within EnergyVille by VITO - forms a nice new piece of the puzzle in the expansion of Thor Park. It can therefore count on the cooperation of many partners. The project stems from a green heat call from the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency. The construction and operation of the thermal grid itself will be done by Fluvius. The construction and operation of the geothermal system and delivery per building is done by Tethys.
Guy Cosijns, Director Customer Service & Data Management Fluvius: "With CollecThor, we are taking an important step towards the future of energy in Flanders. This district heating network at Thor Park shows how innovative technology, local cooperation and sustainable sources such as shallow geothermal energy go hand in hand. Thanks to the modular and smart nature of this network, we can respond flexibly to the needs of today and tomorrow. For Fluvius, this project is an example of how we are building energy-efficient solutions together towards a climate-neutral society."
Jona Michiels, Business Development Manager at Tethys: "CollecThor is a great example of the feasibility of district heating networks in Flanders. Thanks to our integrated approach - from design to operation - Tethys, together with sister company IFTech, guarantees a reliable and sustainable supply of thermal energy to the various buildings at Thor Park. The deployment of shallow geothermal coupled with smart energy management proves that sustainable energy systems and economic feasibility go perfectly hand in hand."
Wim Dries, Mayor City of Genk: "With CollecThor, we in Genk are taking another big step forward in our transition to a sustainable and future-oriented city. Thor Park shows with this innovative thermal network how smart cooperation, technological innovation and a vision of sustainability can go hand in hand. We are proud that this unique system is being realised here on Genk soil, thus setting the tone for energy supply in urban contexts. "In September, we will also put CollecThor in the international spotlight during the IEA DHC Symposium at Thor Park, where participants will be able to discover CollecThor and the Open Thor Living Lab up close.
David Callens