Empowered by: KU Leuven, VITO, imec & UHasselt

Opportunities for 4th Generation District Heating in GenkGeoWatt – Activity 3 – Preliminary Study of an innovative 4th Generation Thermal Network in Central LimburgDescriptionThe potential of 4th generation district heating systems in the area of Genk was assessed. The heat demand of existing buildings and future developments was mapped and locally available renewable heat sources were identified. In the North of Genk the abandoned coalmines can play an important role as renewable heat source and thermal heat storage for future district heating systems. In the south of Genk waste heat and surface water can be used as a low temperature heat source. Elsewhere other renewable heat sources like shallow geothermal and solar thermal energy can be considered as an alternative.

Heat demand on street level derived from aggregated gas consumption

Interesting areas for use of minewater, North of Genk

Potential heat sources in the South of Genk for a large new residential area