Preparation

Preparation

In February 2026, a preparatory process for this project began under the guidance of TomorrowLab, with the goal of clarifying the challenge and needs at hand and conducting market research. This was done in preparation for the intended concession contract. This preliminary phase was completed in August.

The key insights and recommendations from TomorrowLab based on this preliminary phase are:

• A source network focused solely on renewable energy is insufficiently attractive from a market and concession perspective and lacks sufficient economic robustness.
• The recommendation is to evolve toward an integrated energy system that combines renewable energy with direct heat and cooling supply from public energy sources.
• The memorandum advocates for a flexible concession model, in which the market is given the leeway to develop the energy system in phases and in a manner tailored to the area’s development.
• At the same time, it is proposed to appoint a single integrated concession holder who bears ultimate responsibility for the development, operation, and optimization of the energy system.
• Affordability, transparency, quality, and security of supply must be guaranteed through clear public performance requirements.
• Innovation lies primarily in the integration of monitoring, data, and smart energy billing controls, so that the system can be further optimized throughout its entire lifespan.

A more detailed description of the preliminary phase and the insights gained can be found in the final report (see “Documents” below).

The City of Mechelen will further develop the concession tender documents based on the recommendations from the preliminary phase.