Thermal energy storage (TES) is nothing new at Schiphol; we’ve been installing TES systems since 1994. The first systems that were put in place can be found next to the Schiphol Building and neighbouring Avioport on Evert van de Beekstraat. These are currently being renewed.
After nearly 30 years, the old thermal energy storage systems at the Schiphol Building and Avioport are due for renewal. The new system is more energy efficient and therefore works better. It is also larger so that more buildings can be connected to it. At the end of this year, the system will be ready and we’ll connect The Outlook first. The Schiphol Building will follow in early 2025 and Avioport will be connected later.
This is what we’re doing
To create a thermal energy storage system, we first drill wells in the ground. We then install pipes and filters, along with a pump that pumps the groundwater up and down. Inside the buildings, we install heat pumps that are connected to the TES system through pipes. At some locations the system is clearly visible above ground, like the painted glass 'cupcakes' next to the Schiphol Building on Evert van de Beekstraat. When the new system works, these cupcakes will disappear. The system will still be visible above ground behind Avioport and next to The Outlook, but it will look different.
Heating and cooling using electricity
A TES system runs on electricity and not natural gas. And that makes it a more sustainable system. In the winter, the system pumps up ‘warm’ groundwater from underground. The heat pump warms it up further and uses it to heat buildings. The groundwater cools in the process. This cold water is then pumped back into the ground. In the summer, we pump this cold groundwater back up and use it for cooling. In the process, the groundwater becomes warm. The warm water goes back into the ground and is stored until winter. And so we come full circle.
Interesting findings at 180 metres deep
Drilling the wells next to The Outlook and behind Avioport led to some interesting findings. The wells go as deep as 180 metres, almost twice the control tower. And yes, in addition to various types of soil, you occasionally come across some unexpected things. This time we found shells and pieces of wood. The wood was 130 metres deep, the shells 180 metres. They are probably a few million years old! What would Evert van de Beekstraat have looked like back then? And where did the wood come from?
TES systems bring gas consumption down significantly
By using energy from the ground, we are constantly reducing the gas consumption of our own buildings. To give you an idea: between 2010 and 2024, we used a total of 50 million cubic metres less gas thanks to the thermal energy storage systems. That is equivalent to the consumption of 33,000 households. And gas consumption will continue to decline. You will see these systems at more and more locations, such as at The Base and the WTC. But also at the terminal. Almost all piers already have a TES system. Pier E will be fully equipped with TES in 2025. Terminal 3 has had a TES system since 2019, and in Terminal 1 and 2 we will start using TES by 2030. New buildings, such as Pier A and the new Pier C, will be built gas-free as standard.