IJmond's surplus industrial energy could be profitably used in parts of Velsen is one conclusion of a research report coordinated by the IJmond Regional Technology Centre (RTC) in Velsen-Noord. Research results will be published early May.

The residual energy concerned is the heat derived from companies such as Corus, Crown Van Gelder and UNA in Velsen-Noord. According to Velsen's Alderman Gert Jan van der Hulst (Economy) the heat could be effectively used in the residential area to be built in Oud-IJmuiden and the new industrial parks Derde Haven (IJmuiden), NAM site (Velsen-Noord) and Zuiderscheg (Velsen-Zuid).

RTC IJmond programme manager Rita Springer says it is possible to install a transport line to deliver the residual heat to these Velsen-based sites. The clients for the research were the municipality of Velsen, the province of Noord-Holland and the special economic development programmes IJmond 2000+ and Masterplan Noordzeekanaalgebied.

On presentation of the research the parties will decide whether the plan will be converted into action. Much will depend on costs; who will finance construction activities and system maintenance, and will the companies request money for providing the heat? According to Springer there are also many subsidies available.