A river runs through it - and powers it

The Dutch have always been good at managing water – sailing it, reclaiming land from it, and even building cities on it. With our latest energy project, we’re taking things up a notch – and using water to power an entire urban district.

In the heart of Den Bosch, a city 50 miles east of Rotterdam – and the home of the country’s largest cathedral – an exciting new district is rising: EKP Den Bosch.

It’s a model for sustainable urban living, designed to be green, car-free and supplied by an innovative energy system that taps into the natural flow of the Dieze River. By harnessing thermal energy from surface water and storing it underground using aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), this project is setting the stage for a cleaner, more efficient future.

In addition, a large part of the electricity needed for the energy system will be generated by solar panels that will be installed on the new buildings.

Rivers have always been a lifeline for cities, but we’re using them in a whole new way, turning the Dieze’s natural warmth into a reliable heating and cooling system. Here's how:

• Thermal energy from surface water (TEO): the river absorbs heat from the sun, and this energy is extracted and used to warm buildings in colder months
• Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES): geothermal technology where excess heat is stored underground in summer (in an aquifer), then brought back up when needed in winter - like a natural, renewable battery.

Together, these technologies will ensure the district has a steady, sustainable energy supply for at least 30 years. And it’s not just a one-off – similar systems are already working in other Dutch cities such as Utrecht and The Hague.

This project isn’t just about transforming energy – it’s about reimagining city life. The district will be home to more than 800 houses, workspaces and cultural spots, with the first 400 homes already under construction.

This means:

• A greener way of living, with energy-efficient buildings and reduced emissions
• A walkable city, where people - not cars - take centre stage
• A blueprint for other cities to follow in the transition to sustainable energy

No bold idea comes without its challenges. Managing water levels during dry spells, keeping the system running efficiently and balancing supply and demand are all key considerations. But smart water management, regular maintenance, and innovative grid technology will keep things flowing smoothly (literally).

And once completed, the project could inspire cities across the Netherlands – and beyond – to rethink how they power their communities.

Once again, the Dutch are proving they know how to work with water. By blending modern innovation with the natural world, we’re setting the stage for a new kind of urban energy system – one where cities don’t just exist alongside nature but thrive because of it.