2023-09-14 16:58:00
The real estate developer Matexi and the heat network expert Karno inaugurated the first drilling of the “first geothermal residential heat network in Wallonia” this Thursday in Jodoigne. But what are we talking regarding? If Wallonia is lagging behind in terms of heating networks, there are still some already in the south of the country.
“But existing heating networks are often powered by wood,” explains Grégory Meys, CEO of Karno. On the other hand, the heating network in the Belle Vallée district, in Jodoigne, will have the particularity of being powered by geothermal energy. And that , this is a first in Wallonia!”
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The heating network in the Belle Vallée district, in Jodoigne, will have the particularity of being powered by geothermal energy. And that’s a first in Wallonia!
Initially, Karno will dig sixty tunnels or shafts, up to approximately 120 meters deep. These wells will provide access to a constant temperature, around 12 to 14 degrees, regardless of the season. Via a common heat pump, the network temperature can be raised to 35 degrees (instead of 12 to 14 degrees). Within the district, 140 homes will be able to access this heat source, via a 0.9 km network of pipes.
Homes connected to the heating network will not need an individual heating system. They will be able to heat themselves all year round, by accessing 35 degrees from the network. In summer, they will also be able to benefit from air conditioning, via the pipe network.
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A small individual heat pump
However, homes will still need to be equipped with a small heat pump to heat domestic water. In fact, domestic water is often heated up to 65 degrees. The 35 degrees of the heating network will therefore be insufficient. The advantage, according to Karno, is that these small heat pumps are less powerful and therefore less expensive.
In addition, starting from a higher temperature, thanks to geothermal energy, will save electricity. “Individual heat pumps should consume half as much electricity to heat domestic water,” explains Grégory Meys.
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Individual heat pumps should use half as much electricity to heat domestic water.
Furthermore, each home in the neighborhood will automatically be equipped with photovoltaic panels. The excess electricity, produced during the day, will be used to operate the network’s common heat pump. Tanks, with a capacity of 20 m3, will also store heat, which can be used in the evening. According to Karno, this thermal storage capacity will make it possible to make maximum use of the electricity produced during the day by the district’s photovoltaic panels.
The project received a subsidy of 1.16 million euros from the Walloon Region. Grégory Meys hopes that this type of project can become widespread in the future. “We are demonstrating today that geothermal energy is possible throughout Wallonia,” explains the boss of Karno.
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