A lot is changing in the field of energy. Energy prices are fluctuating. Our energy grid is reaching its limits. To become natural gas-free, there are new ways to heat your home. Where is it all heading? What opportunities are there for us as a village community?

On 16 October 2024, around sixty interested parties attended the Samen Slimmer Benthuizen Energy Meeting to discuss these issues. The meeting at De Tas Community Centre was organised by Energiek Alphen in collaboration with the Benthuizen Village Council.

Both in terms of attendance and content, the event was a success, not least due to the active and enthusiastic involvement of all residents present. A number of fascinating presentations, lively conversations and discussions led by energy experts covered a wide range of relevant topics. These included small-scale energy-saving measures, subsidy options, heating challenges, insulation and ventilation solutions.

Concrete results were also achieved during the sessions:

• Residents can book a consultation with an Energy Coach. Would you also like to request a consultation? Then click here.
• The session on heating will be followed by a follow-up meeting with approximately ten people who are interested in a (hybrid) heat pump.
• During the ventilation session, participants heard many new tips and tricks. Moisture is a particular concern.
• The indoor climate session highlighted the importance of a healthy indoor climate (and how complex it can sometimes be).
• The session on isolation addressed many practical issues that encourage the adoption of measures.
• During the session on solar panels and L4L (Local for Local), it became apparent that at least twelve residents and sports clubs are interested in setting up their own energy community to generate and share electricity together.

Did you miss a presentation or would you like to read it again? You can do so here:
Block 0 Programme Smarter Together
Block 1 Active Rijnwoude
Block 2 Subsidies and financing options
Block 3 New forms of heating
Block 4 Insulation
Block 5 Indoor climate and ventilation
Block 6 Solar panels, what next?

Following on from the Energy Meeting, two working groups have been formed:

1. Working group on alternative heating – about new and sustainable ways of heating. Contact person: Bert van der Hoorn (van.der.hoorn@energiekalphen.nl).
2. Solar Power Working Group – on the opportunities offered by a smart energy community. Contact person: Gijs Pool (pool@energiekalphen.nl).

Read here the interview with the initiators of the energy meeting Samen Slimmer Benthuizen (Smarter Together Benthuizen).

Would you like to stay informed about the activities of the Benthuizen energy community? Then register as a member of Energiek Alphen aan den Rijn. Click here. Membership is free of charge. You will then automatically receive the EA newsletter with news about our projects.