The city of Leuven is introducing an innovative technology that extracts heat from wastewater, called riothermia. This method uses a heat exchanger in sewage pipes to extract energy from run-off water from showers, for example. The heat generated can then be used to heat buildings or swimming pools. This sustainable system reduces dependence on fossil fuels and is relatively easy to implement in existing infrastructure. Aquafin and other Flemish sewer operators are working together to roll out this technology throughout Flanders, with the potential for 400 projects in the coming years.
Riothermia, the technology that extracts heat from wastewater, is seen as an important step toward sustainable energy solutions. Using a heat exchanger placed in the sewage system, heat from wastewater can be transferred to a heat pump. These systems can then heat buildings and swimming pools without using fossil fuels. This makes sewage heat not only an environmentally friendly alternative, but also an economical choice, as it uses already existing infrastructure.
Rollout in Flanders
Aquafin and Flemish sewer operators are working closely together to roll out sewage heat technology throughout Flanders. According to Marjolein Weemaes, Aquafin’s director of innovation, sewage heat offers a stable and renewable source of heat because wastewater is produced continuously. The rollout can lead to a significant reduction in energy costs for local businesses and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 40,000 tons per year, helping to make the region more sustainable.
The potential of riothermal energy is huge, with about 400 projects that could benefit from this technology in the coming years. Especially larger buildings such as offices and swimming pools are seen as suitable candidates. The Flemish government supports these initiatives, with projects able to count on subsidies of up to 65% of the cost. This makes riothermal energy not only attractive from an environmental point of view, but also from an economic perspective. In addition to CO2 reduction, the use of riothermal energy can also increase energy security, which is crucial for energy transition in urban areas.
Related Posts
