A Gas-Free Life

The Netherlands is transitioning away from natural gas. In Voorne aan Zee , too, we Voorne aan Zee our homes and buildings with sustainable heat in the future. On this page, you can read why this is necessary and what you can do to prepare for a natural gas-free lifestyle.

A Future Without Natural Gas

The Netherlands will be natural gas-free by 2050. We call this the heating transition: the shift from natural gas to sustainable ways of heating homes and buildings, cooking, and heating tap water.

This “transition away from natural gas” stems from national climate goals set forth in, among other things, the Climate Agreement, and is being implemented step by step.

For example, the municipality is exploring various ways to heat homes without natural gas. In doing so, we are looking at geothermal energy, waste heat, and heat pumps, among other things, as heat sources. Geothermal energy uses heat from deep underground to heat water. We can also use waste heat from sources such as industry or wastewater treatment plants for heating.

In some parts of Voorne aan Zee , a community heating network Voorne aan Zee be a suitable solution. Heat from various sustainable sources would then be delivered to homes via a network of pipes. When deciding between an individual system and a connection to a heating network, there are many factors to consider. The most suitable solution varies depending on the home, neighborhood, and personal circumstances.

Municipalities on Voorne-Putten are collaborating on a plan for the island’s future heat supply. In this way, we are working step by step toward a reliable and affordable solution, with the goal of eventually phasing out natural gas for everyone.

It is not yet known exactly when this will happen. To that end, the municipality is developing a heating plan. This plan outlines, for each neighborhood, what the potential new heat source will be and when each neighborhood will be next in line. You can already start preparing for a natural gas-free lifestyle.

What can I do do?

With the following tips, you can start preparing now for a natural gas-free lifestyle:

Start with areas that haven't been insulated yet, such as the roof, floor, or walls. This will lower your energy costs and increase your comfort.
If you're planning to renovate or perform maintenance, take this opportunity to improve the insulation and aim for at least energy label C.
Switch to electric cooking with an electric or induction cooktop.
Health proper ventilation to keep your home healthy and avoid extra maintenance.
Be mindful of your energy use and adjust your behavior where possible.
Generate your own energy whenever possible, for example, with solar panels.
Plan ahead for the replacement of your boiler and seek advice on alternatives.
Stay informed about plans in your neighborhood and the municipality’s natural gas-free solutions.

Grants and Other Support

Below you will find more information and links to grants and other forms of support.

The Milieu Centraal website, , provides helpful information on how to switch away from natural gas in six steps. Watch the video “Step-by-Step Guide to Natural Gas-Free Living” at .
The municipality of Voorne aan Zee advice in various ways, such as through energy coaches and the sustainability coach for businesses: Stimular.
There are also options for financial assistance to cover the costs of making homes natural gas-free. For example, the municipality Voorne aan Zee offers Voorne aan Zee Sustainability Loan.
Residents can apply for the Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Conservation (ISDE) for items such as HR++ glass or a heat pump. For more information, visit the RVO website at.

What do we do?

The municipality of Voorne aan Zee step by step toward a natural gas-free future.
The municipality Voorne aan Zee a heating program. The program specifies, for each neighborhood, which sustainable heating option is most suitable and the order in which neighborhoods will make the transition. This program is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.
Once the plans are approved, we will develop them into neighborhood implementation plans for the first neighborhoods. These plans will outline how we will implement the chosen heating solution. We will actively involve residents in this process.
We are investigating which sustainable heat sources are available in the region, such as geothermal energy and waste heat. We use these sources to heat homes and buildings without natural gas.
We are investigating where a district heating network is possible and feasible. A district heating network is a network of underground pipes that supplies heat to multiple homes and buildings.
We work with partners in the region, such as the grid operator, housing authorities, geothermal energy companies, the water board, and neighboring municipalities. Together, we’re making the transition to natural gas-free living possible.