REFORMERS takes next step in implementing residents' approach
The REFORMERS project has taken a new step in making private homes in Heiloo more sustainable, as part of the broader development of the Flagship Valley. In addition to transforming the energy system at the Boekelermeer business park, the project also includes making the Overdie district of Alkmaar and the eastern part of Heiloo more sustainable.
Innovative energy technologies in and around homes
In Heiloo, residents are actively involved in a pilot program focusing on innovative energy technologies in and around the home. Selected households can use ten home batteries, five heat batteries, and fifty Teleport Home systems. These technologies are designed to optimize their own energy consumption and, in the future, even enable them to exchange energy with the neighborhood.
The Teleport Home systems, developed by consortium partner WiththeGrid, enable users to remotely monitor and manage their energy flows using smart technology. This not only provides insight into energy consumption but also offers opportunities to collectively optimize energy flows at the neighborhood level.
On Thursday evening, April 17th, the official launch of the residents' approach within the so-called Plan Oost took place in Heiloo. During a well-attended information meeting, organized by consortium partner Duurzaam Heiloo, local residents were introduced to the context of the REFORMERS project and the possibilities offered by the proposed solutions. The meeting was opened by Rob van der Wal, followed by an introduction to the Flagship Valley by Joep Sanderink of New Energy Coalition.
Robin Jastrzebski (WiththeGrid) explained the functionalities of the Teleport Home system, after which Harm Hofman explained the broader resident approach. After a short break, EnergyKoNneX, NewtonEnergy, Flamco en WiththeGrid Their solutions were presented during interactive roundtable discussions. Residents received explanations and demonstrations in three parallel fifteen-minute sessions. This was followed by time for questions and discussion.
With over fifty interested residents, there was a large turnout and high levels of engagement. Residents can now register to participate in the pilot, after which a selection will be made. The interest from the neighborhood gives rise to high hopes that the selected solutions will be installed in the neighborhood this year. The phasing out of the net metering scheme is making it increasingly attractive for households to store and use locally generated energy. The battery solutions and the Teleport Home system offer interesting opportunities for residents to prepare for this development.
In addition to the resident approach in Heiloo, REFORMERS is also committed to the built environment in Overdie (Alkmaar), where an apartment building will be connected to HVC's regional heating network. These pilot projects in Alkmaar and Heiloo are an important part of the broader REFORMERS approach to work with businesses, government agencies, and residents to create a future-proof energy system in the region.