Vattenfall's Got Some Cash to Spend on Berlin's District Heating Supply
Energy giant Vattenfall is planning to splash around 200 million euros on a new project at its Reuter West site in Berlin. The company intends to install an industrial heat pump and a new steam turbine, transforming waste heat sources into warmth for Berlin's district heating network.
The innovative heat pump can extract heat from unusual sources, such as sewage sludge incineration processes and lukewarm wastewater from showering and bathing, ending up in sewage treatment plants. This residual heat, between 12 and 27 degrees Celsius, gets pumped up to a higher temperature level and injected into Berlin's district heating network.
Christian Feuerherd, CEO of Vattenfall Wärme Berlin, highlights Berlin's limited industrial waste heat supply, making wastewater-derived heat an intelligent and consistent solution. The heat pump, to be operational by 2026, boasts an average thermal output of 75 megawatts, capable of warming about 45,000 Berlin households.
Vattenfall is also considering the sale of its Berlin district heating network, servicing over 1.4 million residential units. Exclusive negotiations with the Berlin state government are underway for the potential handover, with hopes of securing an agreement by year's end, pending Berlin's House of Representatives' approval.
Consumers may reap the benefits of this investment, which could offer an additional district heating resource. As per negotiations between Vattenfall and the Berlin Senate, Berliners' carbon footprint may decrease due to the CO2 emission savings resulting from this project.
Did You Know?
Vattenfall is committed to decarbonization, investing in projects to minimize its carbon footprint. In the Netherlands, the company plans to develop a cleaner heat network and invest in hydro power plants like Harsprånget, which could contribute to integrating renewable energy sources into district heating systems.
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