Front-Runner Cities I – Supporting DH Development in the Netherlands  

Dutch cities are preparing for a large-scale transition away from natural gas and are seeking realistic, scalable district heating solutions.

This project supported a group of frontrunner cities in the Netherlands as they explored governance models, heat sources, tariffs, and implementation pathways. Through workshops, expert sparring, and a Danish study tour, the project strengthened local decision-making and opened the door for long-term cooperation between Denmark and the Netherlands. The work has helped position district heating as a credible and attractive long-term solution in the Dutch heat transition.

Municipal leadership is essential for the Dutch heat transition

The Netherlands is rapidly moving away from natural gas, and municipalities now hold the mandate to identify sustainable alternatives. However, the development of district heating systems is complex. Cities must combine governance, tariffs, heat source strategies, and stakeholder engagement while navigating a changing national heat law. Danish experience offers a mature model that helps illustrate how large-scale DH systems can be built, operated, and financed reliably.

Stronger policy and market conditions create momentum

The project coincided with major national reforms, including a new heat law, new financing discussions, and growing political willingness to support district heating. Dutch stakeholders were seeking proven models, tools, and examples—particularly regarding surplus heat, large-scale heat pumps, and publicly anchored governance. The collaboration helped reduce skepticism and strengthened confidence that DH could play a central role in the Dutch energy system.

Understanding municipal needs and selecting frontrunner cities

The project began by identifying cities that showed both ambition and readiness to develop district heating. Amersfoort, Assen, Breda, Groningen, Tilburg, and Zaanstad were selected because they represented diverse challenges and could act as role models for others. A structured needs analysis revealed gaps in governance, planning, financing, and technical knowledge. These insights formed the foundation for the workshop programme and shaped the support provided by Danish experts to each city. The early phase ensured that all activities were relevant and directly linked to real implementation barriers.

Cocreation through workshops, expert sparring and real case creation through workshops, expert sparring and real cases

Eight thematic workshops addressed core DH topics: planning, citizen engagement, surplus heat, digitalisation, ownership, governance, financing, and tariff structures. Dutch project teams worked with Danish specialists to explore approaches used in Denmark and adapt them to the Dutch context. The sessions allowed cities to compare experiences and build a peer network that continues beyond the project. Each workshop deepened understanding of both opportunities and constraints while giving municipal staff concrete tools, examples, and decision frameworks.

Study tour to Denmark: learning from practice

A multiday study tour in March 2022 enabled the Dutch cities to visit five Danish district heating companies. Participants saw how surplus heat, large heat pumps, digital operations, consumer engagement, and transparent governance work in practice. The tour build confidence by demonstrating the high reliability and strong public support in Danish systems. Danish companies contributed technical cases and operational insights, strengthening ties between the two sectors.

Strengthening knowledge networks and policy influence in the Netherlands

A major outcome of the project was expanded cooperation between municipalities, national authorities, and expert institutions such as TNO and VNG. The final conference, held under VNG, reached a much broader group of Dutch cities. It positioned the frontrunner cities as knowledge hubs and encouraged them to take an active role in shaping national DH policy.

Longterm market impact and new opportunities for Danish–Dutch cooperation term market impact and new opportunities for Danish–Dutch cooperation

The project indirectly contributed to a significant shift in Dutch heat regulation, thereby strengthening the framework for district heating nationwide. Many cities, including Groningen, have since accelerated planning and publicly recognised Danish DH practices as relevant benchmarks. TNO began adapting Danish tools (such as socioeconomic assessment methods), while Dutch authorities explored how to replicate public financing models, such as KommuneKredit.

The relationships established among the Danish Energy Agency (EGP), TNO, VNG, and cities now support future projects and their implementation. This project resulted in a second version: Front Runner Cities II