Completely gasless: Blinq gets innovative heat and cold storage

The energy transition is in full swing. More and more households are getting rid of the gas and we see innovative energy solutions in more and more new construction projects. This also applies to the Blinq project in Capelle aan den IJssel. Wellsius Energie is in fact ensuring the realization of a fully sustainable energy supply for the 180 newly built apartments, and that for the next 30 years.

Director Denis Slieker takes us through, "We are a heat supplier. We have a lot of experience in soil energy and like to use that knowledge to come up with the optimal heat and cold solution for each project." From those years of experience also comes the cooperation with client Van Wijnen. "We already know each other well and have run similar projects together. We know what we can gain from each other."

From gas to underfloor heating

No sooner said than done, Wellsius set to work on Blinq's energy supply. "The four buildings will not be connected to gas; we are going for completely gasless," Slieker explains. "Our sister company BRON|TECHNOLOGY handles the technical piece: it builds the installations, Wellsius then takes over."

"We realize a soil energy system, which consists of a heat and cold source. The heat and cold from these sources comes from the ground and then goes to the central technical room under the complexes. Here we have heat pumps that provide the right temperature level. We then distribute the heat or cold to all the homes." The homes are equipped with a hot water system and underfloor heating, which provides heat in the winter and cold in the summer. For many residents, a big switch. "Many people are used to a central heating boiler in their former home. The switch to underfloor heating can therefore take some getting used to. That is why we organize advisory sessions for the new residents. In these we explain how everything works and advise them on how best to use it."

Carefree for 30 years

Wellsius ensures that all parties involved can enjoy a completely carefree energy supply for the next 30 years. "That starts with arranging the permits. We just do that ourselves. That saves the developer a lot of work. Then we develop the technology and take care of its installation. And when we finally start operating, we relieve the ultimate building owners with good services for residents. After the residents move into their new home, we actually become their heat supplier. They are provided with every convenience for 30 years. Is there a malfunction? Then they can always call and we'll come fix it," Slieker said.

Sustainable future

What Wellsius is proud of? Slieker is clear about that: "That we are making a nice contribution to the energy transition with projects like this. It is a huge task to make all existing and new homes gas-free. And especially with the realization of Blinq, it's a nice challenge: 180 homes are being built on a relatively small area. The whole thing will be transformed into a new, super-modern residential area that is completely off the gas in terms of heating and cooling. That we get to do something like this, we are proud!"