REFORMERS takes next step in resident engagement in Heiloo
Within the REFORMERS project, a new step has been taken toward the sustainable transformation of private homes in Heiloo, as part of the broader development of the Flagship Valley. In addition to the transformation of the energy system at the Boekelermeer business park, the sustainable development of the Overdie district in Alkmaar and the eastern part of Heiloo are also key components of the project.
In Heiloo, residents are being actively involved in a pilot program that focuses on innovative energy technologies in and around the home. Selected households will have access to ten home batteries, five thermal batteries, and fifty Teleport Home systems. These technologies are designed to optimize personal energy consumption and, in the future, even enable energy exchange within the neighborhood.
The Teleport Home systems, developed by consortium partner WiththeGrid, allow users to remotely monitor and manage their energy flows using smart technology. This not only provides insight into personal energy consumption but also opens the door to optimizing energy flows collectively at the neighborhood level.
On the evening of Thursday, April 17, the official launch of the resident engagement strategy within the so-called Plan Oost took place in Heiloo. During a well-attended information session organized by consortium partner Duurzaam Heiloo, local residents were introduced to the context of the REFORMERS project and the opportunities offered by the proposed solutions. The event was opened by Rob van der Wal, followed by an introduction to the Flagship Valley by Joep Sanderink from New Energy Coalition.
Robin Jastrzebski (WiththeGrid) provided an explanation of the functionalities of the Teleport Home system, after which Harm Hofman elaborated on the broader resident engagement approach. After a short break, EnergyKoNneX, NewtonEnergy, Flamco, and WiththeGrid presented their solutions during interactive table sessions. In three parallel 15-minute rounds, residents received explanations and demonstrations. This was followed by an open Q&A and dialogue session.
With over fifty interested local residents in attendance, the turnout was strong and the engagement high. From now on, residents can sign up to participate in the pilot, after which a selection process will follow. The level of interest from the neighborhood offers promising prospects for the installation of the selected solutions within the year.
As the net metering scheme on the production of solar energy in The Netherlands is gradually phased out, it becomes increasingly attractive for households to store and use locally generated energy. The battery solutions and the Teleport Home system present valuable options for residents to prepare for this shift.
In addition to the resident approach in Heiloo, REFORMERS is also focusing on the built environment in Overdie (Alkmaar), where an apartment building will be connected to the regional heating network of HVC.
The sustainability pilots in both Alkmaar and Heiloo are an integral part of the broader REFORMERS strategy, in which residents, businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions are working together to build a future-proof and collective energy system for the region.
