<div><p><a href="https://nwn.nu/" class="externLink">NieuweWarmteNu (NWN)</a> (in Dutch only) accelerates the development of large-scale sustainable heating systems, so that homes, buildings, and greenhouses can transition away from natural gas more quickly and at lower societal costs.</p><p>TNO, within NWN, develops knowledge and innovations with partners to make the heat transition feasible and affordable. NWN builds on the results of the WarmingUP research programme, in which TNO and partners jointly developed solutions for collective heating systems.</p></div>

<div><p>In the <a itemtype="1" pagetype="project" class="siteLink ptproject" resolved="true" href="https://www.tno.nl/en/sustainable/system-solutions-environment/net-zero-energy-solutions/heating-cooling-solutions/low-temperature-networks/">CHILL project</a>, we research ultra-low-temperature heating networks for both heating and cooling applications.</p></div>

Heating and cooling transition solutions for a net-zero energy system

Thema:: Net zero energy solutions

Heating and cooling are essential for achieving a sustainable built environment. However, the increasing demand for electricity, the complexity of integrating renewable energy sources, and the challenges associated with implementing heat networks make the transition particularly demanding.

The importance of sustainable heating and cooling

In the pursuit of a net-zero energy system, efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions are paramount. These systems must not only reduce carbon emissions but also ensure affordability, reliability, and user comfort. TNO focuses on developing and implementing innovative technologies that address these multifaceted requirements.

Challenges in the transition

The shift towards sustainable heating and cooling involves several challenges:

Electricity demand: The electrification of heating and cooling increases the load on the electricity grid, necessitating smart solutions to manage demand and supply effectively.
Integration of renewable energy: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into heating and cooling systems requires advanced technologies to handle variability and storage.
Implementation of heat networks: Developing and expanding heat networks involves complex planning, significant investment, and coordination among various stakeholders.

TNO's approach

TNO adopts a comprehensive approach to overcome these challenges by:

Innovating technologies: Developing advanced heat pump systems, thermal storage solutions, and smart grid technologies to enhance efficiency and flexibility.
Collaborative projects: Partnering with industry, government, and academia to pilot and scale sustainable heating and cooling solutions.
Policy and strategy development: Providing insights and recommendations to inform policies that support the adoption of sustainable heating and cooling systems.

Through these initiatives, TNO aims to facilitate a smooth transition to a sustainable, net-zero energy system, ensuring that heating and cooling solutions are efficient, reliable, and accessible to all.

From insight to impact

We support policymakers and businesses with advanced models, analyses, and tools:

With models such as Hestia, we map the effects of policies, technologies, and investments, enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.

Heating, cooling, and electricity influence one another. By intelligently linking energy systems, we help prevent bottlenecks such as grid congestion and high costs.

TNO develops cost catalogues and monitoring tools, such as the Climate and Energy Outlook (KEV), to provide insight into the costs and progress of the energy transition.

Cooling demand is rising due to climate change. We develop future-proof heating networks that also enable sustainable cooling.

Real-world examples

This model calculates the effects of policy measures and subsidy programmes over a 30-year period.

This increases cost transparency and supports fair pricing models under the Collective Heating Act (Wcw).

NieuweWarmteNu (NWN) (in Dutch only) accelerates the development of large-scale sustainable heating systems, so that homes, buildings, and greenhouses can transition away from natural gas more quickly and at lower societal costs.

TNO, within NWN, develops knowledge and innovations with partners to make the heat transition feasible and affordable. NWN builds on the results of the WarmingUP research programme, in which TNO and partners jointly developed solutions for collective heating systems.

In the CHILL project, we research ultra-low-temperature heating networks for both heating and cooling applications.

Working together for better control of the heating and cooling transition

We orchestrate collaborations and bring stakeholders together to effectively implement sustainable innovations. Through close coordination between provinces, municipalities, grid operators, heating companies, and residents, we ensure all interests and concerns are considered.

With our knowledge, tools, and models, we support well-founded decision-making—making the transition more efficient and widely supported.

Curious about what TNO can do for you?