Utrecht (NL) - LEC Lunetten

State of Play

This project focuses on the Lunetten district of the city of Utrecht.

In this district, a community-led electricity and heating plan will be co-produced with citizens and other stakeholders. This involves a renovation strategy to prepare buildings for a gas-free future. With the aim of using renewable heat and electricity sources, the potential for an integrated district heating network will be explored.

The district is involved in two municipal programmes:

Gas-free neighbourhoods by 2025. As the district does not have a central heating system, there is an opportunity to set up such a project.
Energy saving. The municipality aims to improve houses through subsidies, practical assistance and collective purchasing campaigns.

Neighbourhood features

The neighbourhood is popular with families and students.
Key places in the neighbourhood include the train station, shopping centre and elementary schools.
Around 6,500 housing units, home to 11,000 people.

Located in the south-east of the city with many canals.

Objectives

To make Lunetten a gas-free neighbourhood. This would involve providing an alternative heating solution that suits the houses in the neighbourhood and is accessible and affordable for everyone.

To make the energy supplies more sustainable by focusing on heating buildings collectively.

To consolidate the energy community position in the neighbourhood and to accelerate progress within the development phase.
To diversify the community within Lunetten, representing all stakeholders in the neighbourhood.

To foster the public-civic collaboration to develop an organisational model that ensures that the interests of local citizens and stakeholders are considered in municipal policy and planning.

Partners

Lead: City of Utrecht

To support citizens' initiatives in renewable energy projects
To develop more gas-free zones and improve housing
To be a frontrunner in the transition to a low-carbon economy
To foster multi-stakeholder collaborations for sustainability, combining technical and social innovation.

Co-lead: Energie Samen (Energy Communities national network)

To standardise the letters of intent and cooperation agreements between local energy communities and public authorities.
To advise local energy communities on governance and organisation, and ensure compliance with the new collective heating law.

Co-lead: University of Applied Science Utrecht

To focus on the development of new knowledge that has societal and scientific impacts.

Associated organisation: Warmt Lunetten (Citizen Energy Community)

To give energy advice and encourage local initiatives
To look for heat alternatives and analyse the technical feasibility in partnership with the province of Utrecht.