Dijlemolens
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The Dijlemolens is a residential complex located on the Dijle river. The old mill building was renovated in 1985 into a residential complex with 35 flats and a number of business premises. During the renovation at the time, exterior wall insulation was provided so that the building has limited heat demand. The heating system was due for renewal after forty years. This was also the ideal time not only to renew but also to make it more sustainable. The residents opted for a heat pump linked to the Dijle - the principle of aquathermal energy - as the main source to replace the gas boiler. Peaks in heat demand or technical failures are met by the renovated gas boilers.
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The Dijlemolens is a residential complex located on the Dijle river. The old mill building was renovated in 1985 into a residential complex with 35 flats and a number of business premises. During the renovation at the time, exterior wall insulation was provided so that the building has limited heat demand. The heating system was due for renewal after forty years. This was also the ideal time not only to renew but also to make it more sustainable. The residents opted for a heat pump linked to the Dijle - the principle of aquathermal energy - as the main source to replace the gas boiler. Peaks in heat demand or technical failures are met by the renovated gas boilers.
Power
90 kW
CO2 reduction
42%
Temperature impact
0,01°C
This project aimed to renew and make the building's heating system of the Dijlemolens more sustainable. Due to its location on the Dijle river, the building is ideally suited for use of aquathermal energy. EXTRAQT assisted together with the City of Leuven the VME in the renovation of the heating system where the reduction of CO2 emissions is central.
Thermal energy in the Dijle River is extracted with an open aqua thermal installation and boosted to a usable temperature via a 90 kWheat pump. As a result, residents now not only live by the water but the water has also become a sustainable source of energy for them.
Even though this technique is very similar to e.g. geothermal and the availability of surface water in the winter period is very high, the use of aquathermal energy is not yet evident and widespread. This project brought all essential partners together to successfully complete the technical, economic and regulatory aspects. In addition, it had both financial and logistical support from the Departement Omgeving and the city of Leuven. As a result, from the 2023-2024 heating season onwards, the residents are heating their flats in a more sustainable way with CO2-emission reduction of 42%.
The project not only demonstrates that aquathermal energy can be used as a sustainable energy source within an energy strategy. However, it also demonstrated the power and importance of a well-functioning energy community. Without the participation and support within the resident group, such a drastic conversion could not happen.
This project aimed to renew and make the building's heating system of the Dijlemolens more sustainable. Due to its location on the Dijle river, the building is ideally suited for use of aquathermal energy. EXTRAQT assisted together with the City of Leuven the VME in the renovation of the heating system where the reduction of CO2 emissions is central.
Thermal energy in the Dijle River is extracted with an open aqua thermal installation and boosted to a usable temperature via a 90 kWheat pump. As a result, residents now not only live by the water but the water has also become a sustainable source of energy for them.
Even though this technique is very similar to e.g. geothermal and the availability of surface water in the winter period is very high, the use of aquathermal energy is not yet evident and widespread. This project brought all essential partners together to successfully complete the technical, economic and regulatory aspects. In addition, it had both financial and logistical support from the Departement Omgeving and the city of Leuven. As a result, from the 2023-2024 heating season onwards, the residents are heating their flats in a more sustainable way with CO2-emission reduction of 42%.
The project not only demonstrates that aquathermal energy can be used as a sustainable energy source within an energy strategy. However, it also demonstrated the power and importance of a well-functioning energy community. Without the participation and support within the resident group, such a drastic conversion could not happen.
Dijlemolens
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Interested in an aquathermal installation? Read more on our approach on why an aquathermal system migh be interesting for your water body!
