Working Together Toward a Sustainable Future in Helwijk

On November 14, the Future Market took place at the Blokhut in Helwijk. It was an informative and lively event focused on the future of Helwijk. Residents could visit various booths to learn more about topics such as alternative heating systems that could heat homes in Helwijk in the future, as well as new construction plans and greening initiatives.

Almost two years ago, the first steps toward natural gas-free living were taken in Helwijk. The municipality and Woonkwartier are working together with residents to find the best way to heat homes in Helwijk without natural gas. We’re not doing this on a whim: the Dutch government has agreed that by 2050, all homes in our country—and therefore also in our municipality—must be “off natural gas.” In the municipality of Moerdijk, we’re not doing this all at once, but step by step. Helwijk is one of the first places in our municipality where we’ve started working with residents to make plans for sustainable energy for their village. We’re currently exploring a number of potentially suitable alternative heating systems. All the information about these heating systems and the entire process was available at the Future Market.

The municipality of Moerdijk organized the Future Market in collaboration with Woonkwartier. Also present at the market were special enforcement officers, representatives from Energiek Moerdijk and Surplus, and municipal employees working on greening plans. The atmosphere was positive and open. Visitors showed great interest in the heating systems and received detailed information about the process and the technology. There was also an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas, which provided valuable input for the next steps. Woonkwartier was also able to gather many housing preferences, which will help tailor plans more closely to residents’ needs.