The heat transition in our neighbourhood
From 2026 onwards, local authorities will be in charge of our heat supply – and residents will be faced with choices that affect their daily lives. How can you make these complex changes understandable, tangible and fair? Help design the human side of the energy transition
Do you dare to make the heat transition human?
Imagine: you live in a neighbourhood where the energy transition is not something of the future, but of today, where choices have to be made now. Where your home, your comfort and your wallet are suddenly part of a larger system. But do you actually understand what is happening?
From January 2026, the playing field will change. The new Collective Heating Act (Wcw) gives municipalities control over our heat supply. They determine where, when and how heat networks are installed. That sounds sustainable and smart – but what does it mean for the people who live there?
That is where your challenge lies: make the invisible choices visible. Because we are at a crossroads between two technical routes, each with different consequences for residents, but also for the energy system in the Netherlands. The Very Low Temperature route is energy-efficient and future-proof, but also expensive and complex. Think of heat pumps, thick insulation and limited space in the home. The Medium Temperature route is simpler and quicker to implement, but less efficient. It often makes use of existing radiators and a delivery set in the meter cupboard.
For residents, it is not about technical details, but about very human questions. What will it cost me and what will I get in return? Is it reliable? Why do we have to switch? Will I get help or do I have to figure everything out myself? Will this actually fit in my home?
Client
In this think tank, you will conduct research for Alliander, the largest regional network operator in the Netherlands, active in the provinces of Gelderland, North Holland and large parts of Flevoland, Friesland and South Holland.
Assignment
Your assignment: design an intervention, campaign, tool or experience that helps residents understand and get a grip on these choices. Not technical, but human. Not from above, but from their own perspective.
Whatever your study or background, your perspective is valuable. We work from the paradigm of social design. In this project, that means empathising with residents, gaining insight into the system and devising creative ways to inspire confidence.
Do you dare to make the heat transition more human? Join us and help design the future of our heating.
Kick-off weekend
The kick-off weekend of this think tank will take place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February 2026 in the Huissen Monastery. The kick-off weekend is a mandatory part of the think tank.
Weekly meetings
After the kick-off, weekly meetings will take place on Tuesday evenings from 18:30-20:30. The supervisors are present every other week.
Study trip
A study trip lasting up to three or four days is also part of this think tank. The dates and location will be determined in consultation with the group.