Construction of underground infrastructure at Campus Zuid

TU Delft is working on a future-proof and sustainable development of Campus Zuid. Over the coming years, Campus Zuid will be transformed into a vibrant environment with new facilities for education and research, promoting interaction and collaboration. To make this possible, the groundwork is being laid with the construction of the underground infrastructure in part of this area, enclosed by Watermanweg/Anthony Fokkerweg, Huismansingel, Heertjeslaan, and Rotterdamseweg.

Future-proof and sustainable

The area of approximately 24 hectares will be equipped with a future-proof and sustainable underground infrastructure. This includes cables and pipelines for electricity, sewage, gas, data, and thermal energy storage. Thermal energy storage (TES) – a technique that stores energy in the ground to heat buildings in winter and cool them in summer – is already applied to several buildings on the campus. With the construction of the TES system on Campus Zuid, this will be implemented on a larger scale. The system utilizes natural processes and sustainable energy sources, making it a significant step toward a CO2-neutral campus by 2030. A total of up to 36 wells will be installed across Campus Zuid.

Approach and phasing

The area in which the underground infrastructure will be installed is large and complex, with a diverse range of users and functions. This requires careful phasing that aligns as closely as possible with the needs of those users. The project will therefore be carried out in several phases. The guiding principle is to keep buildings as accessible as possible and to minimise disruption, such as vibration and noise, wherever possible.

Facts & figures

  • 45 km of pipelines:
    • 17 km of electrical pipelines
    • 15 km of TES pipelines
    • 4 km of sewage pipes
    • 4 km of data pipelines
    • 5 km of other pipelines
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Planning

  • Q1 2025 to Q1 2026:
    Preparation of the design for the underground infrastructure
  • Q2 2025:
    Start of the first underground infrastructure works
    Installation of cables and pipelines along Watermanweg and Anthony Fokkerweg
  • Q3 2025:
    Filling in the watercourse at Catalysis lab
  • Q4 2025:
    Preparatory works (construction of a temporary access road and removal of trees)
    Installation of ATES pipelines along Huismansingel
  • Q1 and Q2 2026:
    Preloading works at Kluyverpark
    Filling in the watercourse behind the HSL
    Installation of cables and pipelines at P4
    Installation of cables and pipelines along Kluyverweg
  • Q2 2026 to Q3 2027:
    Works in the remaining areas – planning to follow
  • Q3 2027:
    Completion of the underground infrastructure

More information and questions

Stay informed about the work?
Follow this project in the BouwApp (in Dutch).

Do you have questions about this project or the activities?
Contact the Environmental Management team via omgevingsmanagement-crefm@tudelft.nl.

An overview of current activities and any disruptions on the campus can be found on the online campus map.