“Using residual heat as an alternative energy source”

Tereos wants to use residual heat as an alternative energy source, the City of Aalst announces. A study is being conducted to examine whether residual heat from Tereos’ production process can be used to heat the new buildings and supply hot water. The City of Aalst intends to connect municipal buildings to this district heating network.

“Since this year, no individual gas connections are being provided in new construction projects. As a result, property developers must look for alternative sources of collective and sustainable energy, such as heat pumps or residual heat via district heating networks,” the City of Aalst states.

Municipal buildings

“Odebrecht, the developer of the Zuidkaai residential project on the former Electrabel site, has reached a memorandum of understanding with grid operator Fluvius, the City of Aalst, and glucose and starch producer Tereos Starch & Sweeteners,” the city explains. “The aim is to investigate whether residual heat from Tereos’ production process can be used to heat the new buildings and supply hot water. The study will determine whether it is feasible and economically viable to install a district heating network, with Tereos acting as the heat producer. If such a network can be installed, the city will consider connecting its own municipal buildings to it. In parallel with this study, the city is also commissioning a heat zoning map in cooperation with the province.”

Alderman for Environmental Permits Caroline Verdoodt (N-VA) and Alderman for Energy Katrien Beulens (independent) support the initiative. “The investigation into a possible district heating network is a positive step. For several years now, Tereos has fully recovered high-temperature residual heat within its own processes. However, it has a surplus of low-temperature residual heat, which is currently released into the air. The heat that is now being lost could be recovered. This would reduce Aalst’s energy consumption and CO₂ emissions,” they say.