Regional value creation plays an important role in the Fehraltorf energy network. The combination of three local and carbon-neutral energy sources creates an overall concept that is environmentally friendly.
At the heart of the energy network are two central energy systems. They supply the connected properties with climate-friendly heating or cooling in a resource-efficient manner. The energy sources are river water from the Kempt river, treated wastewater from the Fehraltorf sewerage treatment plant and wood chips from the municipal forest.
Designed with sustainability front and centre, our energy solution concept not only encompasses the planning and implementation, but also the uninterrupted operation and professional maintenance of facilities by our experts. Everyone benefits from the all-inclusive concept: the climate, the municipality and the owners and tenants of the affiliated residential buildings or commercial properties.
All buildings within the network area can be connected. Connection is optional – environmentally friendly heating with local energy has many advantages, as it already meets the requirements of future energy laws. Property owners do not incur any risks: we take on the investments and bear financial and technical responsibility.
- Planning, implementation and financing
- Heating and cooling solution using local wood and purified wastewater as sustainable energy sources
- Operation of the energy systems
- 30 GWh of heat required per year
- 2 GWh of cooling required per year
- 9,300 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year
The ‘Heiget’ energy centre is located on the site of the former swimming pool at Fehraltorf school. It is equipped with a 2.4 MW and a 0.9 MW wood-fired boiler, which provide heat for the network. As wood absorbs the same amount of CO₂ during growth as is released during combustion, it is considered a carbon-neutral energy source. Around one third of the wood used comes from local forests, the rest from forests in the region. Felled and fallen hardwood and coniferous wood is suitable for the chips. The chips are stored in a storage facility with a capacity of 650 m³. This allows the wood-fired system to run at full capacity for one week. The annual requirement for wood chips is between 12,000 and 17,000 m³.
The wastewater treatment plant energy centre on the site of the Fehraltorf wastewater treatment plant uses combined heat pumps/cooling machines – it provides both cooling capacity and 4.4 MW of heat output. The temperatures of the treated wastewater are between 10 and 15 °C in winter and between 20 and 24 °C in summer. This means that it has an ideal residual heat for efficient operation of the heat pumps. Energy from river water from the nearby Kempt river is also used. Cooling energy for the commercial buildings in the nearby industrial area is distributed via a separate cooling network.
The link between the Fehraltorf energy network and the heating/cooling system of individual properties is the heat transfer station. It includes all the technology, such as heat exchangers, energy meters and controls. A transfer station usually takes up less space than a modern oil or gas boiler. The heating/cooling purchased is measured and billed by a calibrated meter.
Status of work
At the ‘Heiget’ centre, construction work for the heating plant with the wood-fired boiler is already at an advanced stage. The first supply of heat is planned for autumn 2024. The sewerage treatment plant control centre is currently in the construction project phase. Completion of the cooling energy supply is planned from spring 2025. When completed, the two energy centres will be interconnected in order to better compensate for fluctuations in demand in the overall system and to increase redundancy. As a result, the wood-fired boiler will no longer be needed in summer and the valuable resource of wood will be conserved.
With a connection to an energy network, you benefit from environmentally friendly heating and/or cooling produced from renewable energy and no longer need to worry about supplying heating/cooling to your property/properties.
We lay a supply line into your property/properties for a one-off fee and with no further obligation. Our energy supply does not begin until the time of your choosing. That could be when you replace your heating system, for instance.
If properties require a replacement heating system before being connected, we offer you an interim solution starting from a connected load of 100 kW.
We take on the investments and bear financial and technical responsibility. You pay only for the volume of energy purchased and the output power.
Supply to your property is monitored around the clock. Any faults are taken care of at no further cost to you.
You use locally available, renewable energy sources and help to reduce CO₂ emissions in Fehraltorf. In addition, you’re meeting current and future energy policy requirements.
