Alkmaar is Europe's first Renewable Energy Valley
The Dutch city of Alkmaar will become the first "Renewable Energy Valley" of the REFORMERS project and will serve as a model for energy hubs to be developed across Europe.
REFORMERS kick off
The official launch of the REFORMERS innovation project this week marked the start of a comprehensive international program that will see renewable energy locally produced and consumed by and for business parks and local residents. The Alderman of the Municipality of Alkmaar welcomed representatives of 28 partners from 10 countries. Alkmaar will become the project's first "Renewable Energy Valley" and will serve as a model for subsequent valley areas across Europe. The REFORMERS project has a duration of five years and a budget of €50 million. New Energy Coalition is coordinator of the Alkmaar 'Flagship Valley'.
Flagship Valley Alkmaar
Europe's first Renewable Energy Valley is a designated area between Alkmaar and Heiloo. This Flagship Valley project comprises the Boekelermeer business park, bordered on the north by a densely populated residential area, a residential area on the west, a light industrial area in Heiloo, and an agricultural area on the east. By the end of the project, the area will be self-sufficient in producing and consuming its own energy needs through renewable energy.
The energy hub to be developed is based on the existing natural gas infrastructure, a bioenergy plant, and the ideal location of the Energy Innovation Park Alkmaar as a breeding ground for innovations in green molecules (gases). Furthermore, the Flagship Valley project will:
- demonstrate renewable energy production technologies
- convert, store and distribute renewable energy carriers such as biomethane, electricity, hydrogen and heat
- replace the use of fossil fuels for end users
- monitor and optimally manage energy flows
- bring together financial, legal and social dimensions
- contribute to Alkmaar's overall mission to use 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The development, implementation, and rollout of the Renewable Energy Valleys (REVs) within the REFORMERS project should increase energy security and accelerate the green transition in Europe. This should contribute to the REPowerEU objectives of increasing green energy production, diversifying the energy supply, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Based on the knowledge gained within the Flagship Valley in Alkmaar, subsequent valleys will apply the successful results for creating sustainable energy, leading to many self-sufficient Renewable Energy Valleys in the future.
About REFORMERS
Read more about REFORMERS on the project page.
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