Heat study

To be natural-gas free by 2050, the municipality of Uithoorn examined which sustainable alternatives best fit different neighbourhoods. In 2024 and 2025 a heat study was therefore carried out for four areas: Legmeer, Thamerdal, Zijdelwaard and the Dorpscentrum.

Dutch

This study partly forms the substantive basis for the Heat Programme, in which the municipality determines when and how each neighbourhood will phase out natural gas.

What was examined?

Two main options were considered:

• All-electric solutions: individual (hybrid) heat pumps, combined with good insulation.
• Collective solutions: district heating networks, possibly supplied by local sources such as aquathermal energy utilization or residual heat.

What are the outcomes?

 The best solution differs per neighbourhood.

Legmeer:

many homes in this neighbourhood are already reasonably to well insulated. As a result, an all-electric approach with (all-electric) heat pumps is technically feasible here. A collective district heating network is less suitable, for several reasons:

• The underground space is limited and crowded, with little room for extra pipes.
• The heat demand density is relatively low, making collective heating too costly.

Thamerdal, Zijdelwaard and the Dorpscentrum:

These areas have a higher heat demand density and relatively many social-housing dwellings. For these neighbourhoods, a collective district heating network is a good option. Local heat sources such as the Zijdelmeer or the wastewater treatment plant in Uithoorn could potentially be used.

What does this mean for you?

The heat study is a technical exploration and not a final decision yet. In the coming years the municipality, together with residents and partners, will further develop the plans. You will be informed in good time when your neighbourhood is next.
You can find the full heat study on our council website (It is only available in Dutch).