Nearly 10 Million kg Reduction in CO2 Emissions

Heating typically requires natural gas, which leads to CO2 emissions. An Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system is a sustainable and reliable method for heating and cooling buildings using heat or cold that is temporarily stored underground. Without these ATES systems, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) would need an amount of natural gas on Roeterseiland equivalent to the consumption of 4,000 households per year. Thanks to the two ATES systems, we emit almost 10 million kg less CO2 annually.

Why not completely gas free?

On extremely cold winter days we might still need some natural gas because of the older, less well-insulated buildings on campus and the overloaded electricity grid in Amsterdam (grid congestion), which means there's a limit to how much electricity the UvA can use. An Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system runs on electricity which requires more power on very cold days. On those days, we might not have enough electricity to generate sufficient heat with the WKO. Therefore, when it's unusually cold we might still need tu use natural gas.

Take a Look

Like many other sustainable technologies, an ATES is practically invisible, but one of the systems on Roeterseiland campus can be viewed through a glass panel. Perhaps you’ve walked past it without knowing? Here's where you can find it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tUw8LHQkP3DwZHwi7External link

New University Library Also Heated with ATES

A new ATES has also been installed in the new University Library (UB) opening in 2025. This building will also be heated (and cooled) with sustainable energy. We’re already using an ATES at Science Park as well.

As Much Sustainable Energy as Possible

By 2040, the UvA and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) aim to be Paris Proof and comply with the Paris Climate Agreement. To achieve this, our energy consumption needs to be reduced by 65%. Additionally, we want to use sustainable energy as much as possible. With these ATES systems, the UvA is making significant strides toward this goal. In the coming years, we will continue to make our buildings more sustainable with ATES, insulation, and, for example, solar panels.

_{Think green. Act greener.}