Based on two environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral energy sources, regional value generation plays a central role in the Herrliberg heating network. An innovative use of exhaust gas completes the unique concept.
At the heart of the heating network are the two energy centres. They provide public and private properties with climate-friendly energy while conserving resources, as energy is generated from borehole heat exchangers and local wood from the Pfannenstiel region. Designed with sustainability front and centre, our energy solution concept encompasses the planning, implementation, uninterrupted operation and professional maintenance of facilities by our experts. Thanks to this solution, both the municipality and its population benefit from a full-service heat supply based on economic efficiency and sustainability.
Sustainability, economic efficiency and the involvement of regional energy sources were of key significance in the tender process. The municipality were therefore looking for a reliable partner with extensive experience. Working together in close collaboration, we carefully analysed all needs. The energy solution concept developed by our experts using carbon-neutral energy sources easily met all requirements.
The customers in the properties connected to the network especially appreciate that their buildings are supplied with climate-friendly energy from local wood or geothermal heat. They also give a positive assessment of the energy costs, which are predictable in the long term.
- Planning, implementation, financing
- Heating and cooling solution using wood chips and geothermal energy as sustainable energy sources
- Operation of the energy systems
- 5.5 GWh of heating requirement per year
- 0.3 GWh of cooling requirement per year
- 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year
There are two unique aspects: the combination of a low- and high-temperature network, and the innovative method of using waste heat in the high-temperature network.
We extract heat from the exhaust gases from the wood stove via an exhaust gas condensation system. This results in a 25 per cent increase in the heat yield of the wood chip heating. Without prior condensation, exhaust gases would reach the surrounding air at 160°C. Thanks to the condensation system, the temperature is lowered to around 15°C (conventional exhaust gas condensation systems can only lower exhaust temperatures to about 60°C). This has a very positive impact on the sustainability of the heat network: the municipality recovers 800 MWh of heat per year in this way.
Wet wood is very welcome, because wood chip that is delivered wet will be dried out during burning, thereby releasing a lot of steam. The heat gained through exhaust gas condensation can be used either for borehole heat exchanger regeneration or directly by customers via the anergy network.
The anergy network (cold district heating network) is supplied with heat from a borehole heat exchanger field. The heat exchangers serve as seasonal energy storage systems and draw their heat from the ground. The anergy network primarily supplies cold district heating (6°C to 25°C) to new buildings and properties with more modern designs. In the connected buildings, heat pumps are used to raise the temperature for space heating and hot water production.
The high-temperature network (approx. 75°C) supplies all other connected properties with environmentally friendly heating energy and hot water. The heat is generated through wood chip heating in the new building at our heating plant. A gas-fired system is available to ensure uninterrupted supply at times of peak demand or if the wood boiler should fail.
Where and when is connection possible?
All property owners within the network area have the option of connecting their property to the network. Connection is voluntary, but offers benefits for homeowners: in future, they will heat their homes ecologically and using local energy, and thus already meet the requirements of future energy laws.
With a connection to an heating network, you benefit from environmentally friendly heat produced from renewable energies and no longer need to worry about supplying heating 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 approx. 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.
The supply to your property/properties 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 Herrliberg. In addition, you’re meeting current and future energy policy requirements.
