Business models for industrial waste heat utilization in the Netherlands

Abstract

Industrial waste heat utilization in the Netherlands shows large potential, but financial and organizational barriers hamper the establishment of these types of projects. Through the analysis of existing projects, best practice models have been formulated for three different customer segments; built environment, industry and horticultural sector. Furthermore, trends in new business models have been listed and applied to industrial waste heat projects. In order to determine which business model is most successful in a particular situation, a preconditions model was drafted consisting of three overarching success criteria; customer, partners and policy. When analyzing the results, it becomes clear that the most important element of business models for industrial waste heat utilization is the partners. When the assembled partners have; complementary knowledge and skills, equity and the ability to form a core group in which trust and transparency are possible, the risks can be hedged and attractive financial options will become available. This will enable a profitable business case and a successful industrial waste heat utilization project.