Three companies – one local heating network
LEW Innovationspreis (Lechwerke Innovation Award)
By presenting the Innovationspreis (innovation award), Lechwerke AG (LEW), a hydroelectric power company, boosts the spirit of invention and actual ideas in the area of sustainable climate protection and energy efficiency.
The competition showcases the skill and expertise of the geographical area and of the Bavarian district of Swabia as a business location.
Project description
e-con AG developed an integrated energy concept for three medium-sized companies (Goldhofer AG, PFEIFER, Dachser). The companies are now using one shared infrastructure for heating and generating electricity. The centrepiece is the heating plant built between the companies’ three adjacent campuses. There, a 3.3 MW wood chip boiler generates the majority of the heat distributed through the underground local heating network. Consumption peaks are covered by a redundant gas and oil-fired boiler system with an output of 5 MW. In addition, a combined heat and power plant safeguards the base load supply with heat and electricity. In conjunction with a photovoltaic output of 2.9 MW to the corporate headquarters buildings, 90 percent of the electricity required by the three companies is generated on site.
The regenerative energies replace approximately 1,200,000 litres of heating oil and conserve approx. 5,500 to 6,000 tonnes of CO2. In addition, refrigeration for cooling at the three companies is generated by a decentralised geothermal system with an efficiency of 90 percent. The investment costs are approximately 10,500,000 euros.
The project’s innovative approach
The use of outstandingly energy-efficient technology by having a shared supply for multiple companies; 25% higher energy efficiency through intelligent open-loop and closed-loop control technology.
Integrative energy concept that links a variety of regenerative energy systems with each other – Contribution of the project to climate protection and energy efficiency
50% decrease in immissions compared to standalone systems thanks to powerful filter technology
80% decrease in the use of fossil fuels – Use of wood energy from the region: short transport distances and up to 90% regional value creation – Coverage of 90% of the electricity requirement through in-house generation – Reduction of CO2 emissions by 70%.