Project Confidence: Danish inspiration for a Frisian approach to collective heating
This is an article from our partner Wetterwaarmte.
The Confidence project Confidence how Denmark's district heating network can serve as an example for Fryslân. By learning from the Danish approach, where district heating networks operate successfully in both large cities and small villages, Fryslân wants to make the heat transition socially acceptable, affordable, and locally organized. Together with the Danish Board of District Heating, the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, Enber, and other partners, the project is working on an approach that combines technology, finance, and trust.
In Denmark, more than 1.8 million households, representing 3.7 million inhabitants, received green heat by the end of 2024. In the Netherlands, on the other hand, many heat network projects are stalling, and major market players are putting their plans on hold. Yet collective heating is essential to making the heat transition both socially acceptable and affordable. Friesland therefore wants to learn from the Danes.
Trust in government, community, and residents
The heat transition requires more than technology and money: it requires trust. Between government, community, and residents. That trust is central to Project Confidence. In several "Deep Dive" sessions, Dutch and Danish experts shared their knowledge on three key topics:
establishing a municipal heating company;
building a robust financial model;
and strengthening confidence in the local approach.
Lesson one: start with strong municipal leadership and a phased approach. Begin in the most promising areas and use the proceeds to connect less profitable areas. This way, profits remain within the community and you can finance the next phases step by step.
Public heating companies offer stability and long-term security. They make it clear where and when heating networks will be installed, so that housing associations, network operators, energy producers, and construction companies can coordinate their plans.
Financial lessons from Denmark
Whether it's a village of 1,400 inhabitants like Sønder Felding, or a city like Copenhagen with 638,000 inhabitants (where 98% are connected to a district heating network), Denmark is securing the necessary funding.
The secret? Flexibility. They combine multiple heat sources with large buffer tanks, allowing them to respond intelligently to electricity prices. When prices are low, they fill the buffers; when prices are high, they draw from them. And they leave room for a small gas backup for the coldest days.
In the Netherlands, we often aim directly for 100% sustainability, which sometimes makes projects financially unfeasible. We also work with a single source and little storage, which means we remain dependent on high electricity prices.
Working together to build trust
You build trust by involving everyone from the outset. In Denmark, heating companies are completely transparent about costs and benefits, which increases support for their activities.
We are now taking this step in Friesland too. Council members are actively involved in information sessions and clear decision-making moments. Entrepreneurs are working with the municipality to investigate the possibilities of residual heat supply. This is increasing confidence in a joint, affordable heat supply.
Conclusion: from Danish lessons to Frisian reality
Project Confidence that the Danish approach does work, provided there is local ownership, financial clout, and trust. Friesland is now taking the next step: from separate pilots to a municipal heating plan. In this way, we are working together to build a future-proof, widely supported, and affordable heating supply for everyone.
