At Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte, the focus lies on making heat supply more sustainable through the use of geothermal energy. Developing and managing these advanced heating systems requires reliable technical partners. Since 2019, Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte has therefore been working with KH Engineering. Jeroen de Vries, technical authority (TA) for the Surface department (civil and above-ground), shares their approach, the challenges, and why KH Engineering has become a trusted partner in the process.
In the northern tip of North Holland, at locations such as Agriport and Andijk, Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte is developing sustainable heat sources using deep geothermal energy. ‘We produce geothermal heat, distribute it to customers via heat networks and delivery stations, and ensure that everything runs smoothly from source to supply. And we always strive to improve’, says Jeroen.
Composite instead of steel
The process – particularly at the source – is more complex than it seems. Jeroen explains: ‘The geothermal water we extract reaches temperatures of up to 95 degrees and is around 4.5 times saltier than seawater. This combination puts significant corrosive stress on materials such as metals. We’ve learned that standard commercially available metal alloys simply can’t withstand it. Over time, this leads to leaks. That’s why we now use composite materials (Glass Reinforced Epoxy) wherever possible. Where that’s not feasible, we fall back on high-alloy metals.’
collaboration with insight
For the above-ground and civil engineering aspects of its projects, the Surface department of Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte works closely with KH Engineering. The collaboration began through a former acquaintance of Jeroen, who had started working at KH Engineering. ‘At the moment I needed support, I turned to them’, he says. From that point on, the partnership evolved into a long-term collaboration. ‘KH Engineering assists us in developing technical solutions and documentation. They think along with us, but are also honest enough to say when something isn’t their area of expertise. That honesty contributes to a sustainable partnership.’
working together
Each week, both parties hold a technical coordination meeting. Jeroen explains: ‘We maintain a multidisciplinary action list. All requests for optimisation, modifications or new construction involving work from KH Engineering are addressed there. Thanks to this close collaboration, we stay fully up to date in terms of project execution and keeping our as-built documentation current. KH Engineering supports us in the engineering process by developing technical solutions, risk inventories and evaluations (RIE), manuals and process descriptions.’
keeping promises
For Jeroen, the success of the collaboration lies not only in KH Engineering’s expertise, but also in the way they work. ‘The interaction is pleasant and no-nonsense – they do what they say and they’re transparent. That builds trust, and to me, that’s essential in any partnership.’
Ambitions
The ambitions of Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte extend beyond North Holland. Parent company Ennatuurlijk Eindhoven manages and maintains heat networks in other parts of the country. Plans are in place to make existing networks – such as those in Moerdijk and Eindhoven – more sustainable. For now, however, these are on the back burner. ‘The reality of geothermal energy is more complex than expected, especially the underground part. Drilling is costly and challenging, permitting procedures have become more complicated, and new technologies such as aquathermal energy and solar boilers are gaining ground.’ Even so, Jeroen remains optimistic. ‘We continue to work steadily towards sustainable heat. What was once pioneering is increasingly becoming a proven concept. We’re currently contributing input for a second site in Andijk. When it comes to all technical matters on the civil and above-ground side, we’re looking to the future with confidence – thanks in part to KH Engineering. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a well-earned compliment for Lead Engineer Jeroen Alders and his team.’
For more information about Ennatuurlijk Aardwarmte: ennatuurlijk.nl/zakelijk/aardwarmte