First homes in Westland heated using geothermal energy from greenhouse horticulture

4 JUL, 2025

A long-cherished ambition has become a reality: the supply of geothermal heat to the Westmade-Noord residential estate in Monster has officially begun. Thanks to the collaboration between Aardwarmte Vogelaer, Opti-flor, HVC, the municipality of Westland and other parties involved, 424 homes will now be heated sustainably.

This is an important step for the region. What was a vision for the future for many years has now become a reality: heat from greenhouse horticulture is being used to heat the built environment. AAB has been involved in the project since 2012, providing support in the areas of engineering, financial feasibility, energy, planning permission and project management.

The connection between the adjacent Opti-flor greenhouses and the residential area is what makes this project unique. Opti-flor itself uses geothermal heat, solar panels and heat pumps, whilst also playing a key role as a heat buffer. This allows the available geothermal heat to be used efficiently for both greenhouse horticulture and the homes.

The official opening was celebrated in the presence of, amongst others, Councillor Peter Valstar, René Hendriks (Opti-flor), Robert Crabbendam (HVC) and Danny van den Berg (Aardwarmte Vogelaer). They emphasised the importance of collaboration in enabling sustainable heating solutions.

The project demonstrates how greenhouse horticulture can contribute to the energy transition. Through local collaboration and the smart use of sustainable resources, a future-proof solution has been created that not only heats homes but also highlights the power of innovation in the region.

And this is just the beginning. Aardwarmte Vogelaer is now working on a second geothermal installation on Arckelweg in Poeldijk.

_{Photo caption: From left to right: Melanie Zweedijk-Spaans (resident), René Hendriks (Opti-flor), Peter Valstar (councillor), Robert Crabbendam (HVC) and Danny van den Berg (Aardwarmte Vogelaer).}