Netherlands South Holland Tender

Nine South Holland municipalities want 10 natural gas-free neighborhoods. Before starting up they apply to the European Investment Bank EIB for a joint grant of around 3 million. By joining forces and with the province as the lead party the municipalities have a good chance of being eligible for this money. These are the municipalities Alphen aan de Rijn The Hague Gorinchem Kaag and Braassem Katwijk Rijswijk Rotterdam Schiedam and Zoeterwoude.Preparations also cost moneySustainable neighborhoods yes please but how do you approach that To be able to make the right choices together with residents the nine municipalities in South Holland want to make a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the various options. After all sustainable energy supply must be feasible affordable and future-proof for residents. A lot of work is needed to make the most suitable choice and that also costs money. The EIB has set up the so-called Elena Fund to support governments in this.Everyone participating in the switch to clean energyEnergy representative Berend Potjer is positive I am very happy that nine South Holland municipalities want to take the lead in this. That they will discover together with the residents how you can get their neighborhoods away from natural gas and actually do that. In this way we can meet the needs of residents to the maximum and we are not only concerned with the energy transition but also with improving the neighborhood. 3 million for the preliminary workTo be eligible for EIB subsidy it must be a large investment - at least 60 million. That is why nine municipalities in South Holland joined forces in 2019 and also sought cooperation with the province. After the inventory of conditions and possibilities the province can now submit the grant application to the EIB. Stake 3 million for the preparation costs of making 10 neighborhoods more sustainable. This includes the costs for the participation process cost benefit analyzes and the preparation of implementation contracts.Elena conditionsFor the Elena grant the plans must actually be implemented after these preparations. That is why the EIB makes the condition that the work in the houses pipes and heat sources start within 3 years and has led to investments of at least 60 million. Another condition is that the EIB wants to do business with one party and that is why the province of South Holland will act as applicant and lead party.