christine groothuis

The City of Amsterdam has taken the initiative to develop the Modular Circular Utility Hub, an innovative concept aimed at providing a future-proof solution to challenges related to space utilization, finances, technology, aesthetics, and climate. The Nutshub concept is part of two parallel trajectories: a local innovation process that was already underway and a second trajectory in which the concept is being submitted as part of the EU call "Rethinking Urban Spaces Towards Climate Neutrality."

Project Phase

The project is currently in its research- and implementing phase. A significant step was taken during a digital meeting on December 19, 2024, where a coalition of stakeholders began forming, and the plans for the EU subsidy application were further solidified.

What is the goal of the project?

The primary goal of the project is to demonstrate the Utility Hub concept on a practical level through two pilot projects. These pilots will showcase how utilities and shared elements, such as solar panels and community functions, can be integrated into public spaces. This approach aims to optimize space usage, offer more sustainable solutions, and improve the quality of life in increasingly dense urban areas.

What are the expected results?

The initial outcome of the project includes enthusiastic commitments from various project partners to support the EU subsidy application. These commitments provide a strong foundation for the further development and implementation of the Utility Hub pilots. Additionally, a collective approach and shared sense of urgency surrounding the challenges have been reaffirmed.

Two pilot projects are set to develop the Utility Hub concept, enhancing the quality of public spaces. Several organizations have committed as project partners, while others will act as executing parties without formal roles.

Plans for 2025

In 2025, the focus will shift to refining the subsidy application and further developing the pilot projects. Key steps include:

• Finalizing work packages and project structure in January.
• Continuing collaboration with knowledge institutions.
• Organizing follow-up meetings.
• Building a coalition with other interested parties.

Who initiated the project, and which organizations are involved?

The project was initiated by the City of Amsterdam. The following organizations are involved:

Project partners: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), AMS Institute, TNO, and VDL.

Executing parties: Alliander, Vattenfall, and Bright.

Internationally, Lyon and Stockholm are involved as the Lead City and Lighthouse Cities, respectively.

What’s next?

The coalition of project partners, together with the City of Amsterdam, will submit an application for the EU Horizon Call. The deadline for submission is February 11, with the hope of securing the funding to bring the vision to life. It is important to note that even if the EU does not approve the project, the local innovation trajectory will continue independently.

What happens to industrial materials like transformers and switchgear once they’ve served their purpose? Can these essential components get a second life? During the Demo Day on October 10th, Alliander hosted a session, diving into the challenges and opportunities of creating a marketplace for used assets. The workshop explored how these materials could not only be repurposed internally but also made available for new applications elsewhere.

Workshop Structure and Focus

The session used an interactive approach, inviting participants to explore key parts of a circular supply chain. The discussion was centred around three main questions:

1. What are examples of successful circular supply chains, and who might be interested in used assets?
2. What does an ideal circular supply chain look like?
3. What conditions must be met for such a chain to succeed?

This framework fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, revealing both opportunities and obstacles for implementing a marketplace for used assets.

Key Challenges

The session highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed to create an effective marketplace:

• Material tracking and data management: How to effectively map available materials?
• IT systems: What systems are needed to support the marketplace?
• Guarantees and support: How to ensure the quality and reliability of reused materials?
• Predictability: How to forecast the availability of reusable materials?
• Value assessment: How to determine the market value of used assets?

Insights and Recommendations

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration with other grid operators and external stakeholders to maximize reuse potential. Key recommendations included:

• Start with a single product category, such as transformers, and map the entire supply chain.
• Establish KPIs to measure success and use these to test hypotheses through experimentation.
• Develop standardized platforms for sharing information about available materials.
• Strengthen partnerships with suppliers and other grid operators.

Action Points

The following concrete next steps were outlined:
1. Map the circular supply chain for transformers and tools.
2. Engage with the procurement director to promote collaboration.
3. Create an inventory of available transformers.
4. Develop KPIs to track and measure progress.
5. Explore partnerships to advance circular procurement.

The session provided valuable insights and a clear roadmap for developing Alliander’s marketplace for used assets. By starting with a specific product group and gradually scaling efforts, Alliander aims to make an impact in advancing the circular economy.

Are you interested in the marketplace for used assets? Leave a comment below and we’ll connect you with Catharina Driesse from Alliander.