An unusual situation in Nijmegen’s Neerbosch-Oost neighbourhood: residents shared a small heat network, effectively a collective heat pump system. Results were disappointing, with serious comfort problems especially at the neighbourhood’s edges. Costs kept rising and, following complaints, the network owner went bankrupt. What next?

The government stepped in, but temporary support ends in April. It was time to decide. Residents could establish their own collective heat network for around €300,000, with no certainty it would work better, or leave the collective and install individual heat pumps for around €180,000. All but one chose individual heating.

“Gas sounds like a prehistoric step backwards”

Weheat installer Greenworld took on the challenge. Together, we developed a solution for this unusual installation. Despite the unique circumstances, the homes were highly suitable for heat pumps.

Greenworld co-owner Boy Joosten agrees: “These are relatively new homes, well insulated and equipped with solar panels. Almost perfect conditions for a heat pump.”

Residents welcomed the solution. They did not want to return to gas. “The previous setup was already fairly sustainable, and we wanted to keep that. Gas really does feel like a step backwards.”

The heating is back on

The semi-detached homes were fitted with a Weheat Blackbird and the terraced homes each received a Flint.

The heat pumps were installed in early November, just in time for the first truly cold days. Residents have their comfort back and are warm again.

Weheat Intelligence, arriving in 2026, will increase those benefits and comfort further. Boy: “Weheat Intelligence will make the heat pump part of the household’s energy system. It will, for example, store surplus solar energy.”

Want to know more about our heat pumps and solar panels? Read: Keep your solar panels profitable with a heat pump

Collaboration is key

Weheat believes collaboration is the key to sustainable heating built for the future. Whether you are an installer, property manager or energy adviser, together we offer your customers reliable, smart and sustainable heating solutions.

Together, we advance the energy transition, improve home comfort and ease pressure on household budgets. Collaboration between Weheat and installers, and between hardware and software, is central to this.

A heat pump for your home

Do not have a Weheat heat pump yet? Start with good advice. Take the savings check and discover which heat pump best suits your home. Or get personalised advice and a tailored quote from an installer in our Weheat network.