Contracting necessities: How to avoid cold surprises in ATES projects

ATES Systems (or WKO’s, as they are known in Dutch) are fast becoming a fixture in sustainable real estate development. By storing thermal energy in underground aquifers, ATES Systems enable efficient heating and cooling with minimal reliance on fossil fuels—making them a cornerstone technology in the energy transition.

Electric vehicle charging in the Netherlands: it is your duty to care

There is no denying that the future of personal mobility is electric. In 2024, we again witnessed a rise in registrations and sales of electric vehicles in the Netherlands: 35% of the new cars sold were electric vehicles (EV) compared with 31% in 2023. From 2030 onwards, all new cars in the Netherlands will need to be electric.

Pulse Newsletter June 2025

Netherlands: Welcome to the June edition of the Pulse Newsletter of Dentons Amsterdam Office.

In this issue, we begin with an in-depth look at what building owners need to consider before installing an ATES system (in Dutch: WKO), a promising but sometimes challenging step towards energy efficiency. Next, we unpack the latest legal obligations surrounding EV charging infrastructure and highlight critical fire safety considerations that should not be overlooked. Finally, we explore the legal and practical challenges of making apartment complexes more sustainable, which is an increasingly pressing issue in the built environment.