Non-regulated activities
Our focus is on good grid management and excellent service, which is why we are cautious about non-regulated activities. You can read more about our policy and choices for non-regulated activities in 'Stedin Group's activities'.
NetVerder
NetVerder continued its progress on the development of collective heating in 2020. In various projects, we are developing open heat grids to which as many users as possible will be connected over time. Everyone has access to our heat grids under the same conditions – affordable and reliable. Our projects portfolio now encompasses Stedin's entire service area. The first projects are expected to be operational within a few years. The project Open Warmtenet Delft (Delft Open Heat Grid, OWD) is closest to completion. More information on the market regulation of heat grids is available in the section on Strategy.
Sustainable heating in Delft
In Delft, NetVerder is collaborating with the housing associations Woonbron, Vestia, Vidomes and DUWO as well as with the municipality of Delft to create a heating network. Work progressed in 2019 on developing the preliminary design of the heating grid, and Engie was selected as the first supplier. The municipal council of Delft intends to decide before the end of 2020 whether to co-invest in a future-proof scenario. This means that, in addition to connecting the 5,000 homes of the housing associations as previously intended, the grid is already being prepared for a further 10,000 homes in the supply area in the Voorhof and Buitenhof residential districts. In doing so, we will also pave the way for several suppliers to supply heat to potential customers in the area, as we make the grid 'open'. Future-proofing the design of an open heat grid also necessitates the introduction of a second source besides the planned geothermal energy source. Together with the municipality, NetVerder is engaged in talks with Warmtelinq (Gasunie) to coordinate the future supply scenario.
The expected carbon savings will be some 4.5 tonnes per year at the start of the project.
The deployment of sustainable energy sources such as residual heat, geothermal energy and low-temperature sources (outside air, water) is continually growing in importance. We work for and with municipalities, project developers, housing associations and residents with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the built environment. While our focus is on the infrastructure, we consider the entire energy system, as well as the affordability of the various routes and their supply security. We recognise the public interest and work in line with the basic principles: openness, transparency and decisiveness.
In the WarmingUP collective, a national 3-year cooperation programme, we are working with 38 participants on developing usable knowledge to make collective heating systems reliable, sustainable and affordable. This knowledge continually increases our ability to make responsible choices for the long term.
In 2020, NetVerder took steps towards the further implementation of a professional and reliable organisation that operates energy infrastructures. With a view to sustainable business operations, our risk and controls are fully in place as designed and operational. The risks of this business unit are periodically updated. Safety is also the first priority within NetVerder. Stedin Group's safety standards also apply to NetVerder. There are workplace inspections, we hold each other accountable on safety conduct, where necessary, and reporting concerns is also part of our safety policy.
The existing assets performed in line with expectations in 2020, without operational failures.
Rotterdam Botlek Steam Network
In 2020, NetVerder continued to safely and reliably perform the distribution of steam and condensate via the steam network in Rotterdam Botlek. Steam producers AVR (via two sources of steam) and Cabot sustainably supply steam to the customer Emerald Kalama Chemical. In 2020, 251,433 tonnes of steam were distributed using the Rotterdam Botlek Steam Network (2019: 223,000 tonnes). The plans to significantly expand the steam network are still in place. NetVerder continues to be engaged in extensive talks with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, local authorities and other parties in the Botlek area to execute this project jointly.
Borculo biogas network
Since 2017, NetVerder has handled the distribution of biogas from Groot Zevert Vergisting in Beltrum to Friesland Campina in Borculo. In 2020, almost 7 million m3 of biogas was transmitted into our gas grid without problems via this 5.4 km transmission pipeline (2019: 1.5 million m3). As a result, substantial volumes of natural gas are saved at the production location of Friesland Campina.
DNWG Infra
High-voltage technology, new build HVS Terneuzen-Zuid
The High-voltage technology division is constructing a new 10 kV main distribution station commissioned by Enduris. A new hall is being built at HVS Terneuzen-Zuid, in which a new 10 kV facility will be placed at the end of 2020. Preparations are also under way to place an additional transformer in 2021. This will be an existing transformer, which will come from HVS Kruiningen. The entire facility will be tested and completed at the end of 2021.
DNWG Warmte – Ouverture
DNWG Warmte B.V. (DNWG Warmte) is part of DNWG and was established in order to facilitate heat projects. For example, heat and cold are supplied to the Ouverture district of Goes in this way.
DNWG Meetdiensten
DNWG Meetdiensten has developed a number of attributes to aid customers in the energy transition. For example, consumption reports and financial reports can be easily generated for several business establishments. These reports comply with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency guidelines for energy management systems. A contract for metering services and energy monitoring has been signed with Aldi Holding that covers all its locations in the Netherlands. We will support Aldi in achieving its sustainability ambitions. A multi-year contract has been concluded with the municipality of Eindhoven for metering services for gas, water and electricity.
Cooperation between DNWG Infra and Evides Waterbedrijf
On 1 January 2021, the service provision agreement between DNWG Infra and Evides for multidisciplinary subsoil operations expired. Therefore, Stedin Group and Evides signed a cooperation agreement on 7 December 2020. Under this agreement, DNWG Infra and Evides cooperate on a reciprocal basis. This means that both parties contribute work and are jointly responsible for its execution. This cooperation will be gradually expanded in the years ahead and is part of the Multidisciplinary strategic initiative.
Certification
The follow-up visits by means of external audits for the certifications for ISO 9001, VCA **, Certification Scheme for Cable Infrastructure and Pipe-Laying Companies (Certificatieregeling Kabelinfrastructuur and Buizenlegbedrijven, CKB) and ISO 27001 for multimedia and TUMS went well. Recertification took place in the context of ISO 14001, for which DNWG received a new certificate. DNWG Infra is also an approved heat metering company, in addition to being an ODA (independent service provider) and EMV (approved party responsible for metering) for gas and electricity metering systems.
