The city is one of the 112 cities participating in the EU Mission to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, and the Pilot Cities Programme, The Hague is testing new decarbonisation strategies, such as heat transition. As one of the most densely built cities in the Netherlands, finding a heat transition that works for everyone in The Hague is no easy task.
How The Hague is Wiring up a Cooler Future
This challenge of heat transitioning is the central focus of the article, Mini‑grids, Major Momentum: How The Hague is Wiring up a Cooler Future.
The Mini-Grids project goal is to create district heating by adopting “mini-grids” that can connect about 500 homes to a temporary sustainable heat source. The project focuses on building trust, rather than just giving pre-decided solutions. It does so by working with the community toward a better future.
Altogether, while navigating the political scenario, the projects must convene the Ministries of Housing, Economic Affairs, and Sustainable Growth, alongside institutional investors, the national heat fund, and even the European Investment Bank.
The Hague’s journey toward a climate-neutral future is one of innovation, shared learning, and collective effort. This is made clear within The Hague Climate Agreement, that has energy transition as one of its five main topics.
The Hague Climate Agreement: Our City’s Collective Commitment
The Hague Climate Agreement was launched on 10th of April 2024 by the City of The Hague. Together with 115 parties, including The Hague Humanity Hub and several Hub members, it agrees to work towards a greener city. Stakeholders involved range from residents and entrepreneurs to large companies and social organizations. As we are all united by a common goal: to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, work together, and leave a sustainable city for future generations.
The participatory nature of this project was clearly set out by the municipality from the beginning: this agreement concerns and belongs to everyone in and around The Hague. This emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing is at the core of The Hague Humanity Hub’s efforts within the climate justice community.
Inside the Humanity Hub’s Climate Justice Collaborations
The Humanity Hub collaborates on this initiative with organisations such as International Alert, The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security, Mercy Corps, Oxfam Novib, and the City of The Hague. Our role is to facilitate connections, amplify expertise, and foster cooperation among organizations operating at the intersection of climate, peace, and justice.
The Climate Deal by the Humanity Hub and partners can be found here. Alongside the deal, explore the Climate Justice Community to learn more about a growing network of changemakers connecting climate, peace, and justice to drive collective action for a more just and resilient future.
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By Anna Toggweiler