Since December 2022, the second thermal residue treatment and energy utilisation plant, TREA II for short, has been producing electricity and heat from processed waste in regular operation - thus contributing to the local energy transition. Reason enough for Stadtwerke Gießen to open the plant to guests at an open day.
On Sunday, 2 July 2023, Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) is hosting an open day at the second thermal waste treatment and energy recovery plant, TREA II for short, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The combined heat and power plant in Leihgesterner Weg is the sister plant of TREA I, which has been producing heating energy for the Giessen district heating network from processed waste since 2010. However, TREA II also generates electricity in addition to heat. "With our plants, we are making the heat supply in Giessen a lot less dependent on fossil fuels," explains Matthias Fink, Head of the Heat Supply Department.
In addition to informative guided tours, visitors can watch a time-lapse film about the construction of the plant. The SWG stand will be attracting visitors with the game "Vier Gewinnt" and a wheel of fortune - as well as small prizes. Food and drink will also be available at family-friendly prices.
Waste fuel: a sensible alternative
Similar to the heating system in your own home
In the TREA II boiler system, water is heated in a heating circuit by burning a fuel. The processed waste used for this comes from Central Hessen: Each year, various processing plants supply up to 53,670 tonnes of energy-rich, processed waste for TREA I and II. Up to 50 per cent of this waste consists of wood, cardboard, paper and cellulose.
In addition to a steam turbine, TREA II has been using two combined heat and power plants (CHP) since 2016, which generate heat and electricity at the same time. However, their exhaust gases are the most important factor here, as a turbine that drives a generator is needed to produce electricity from processed waste. This turbine needs really hot steam. With the help of the CHP exhaust gases, the steam from the waste fire reaches a higher temperature. This combination of two technologies - CHP on the one hand and thermal waste utilisation on the other - makes the TREA II particularly sustainable and efficient. "Our heating systems play a key role in making Giessen one of the pioneers in climate-friendly energy supply today," says Jens Hanig, Head of Solid Fuels Heat Supply.
No registration is required for the open day. Those interested can use the free parking spaces on the neighbouring Justus Liebig University site; guided tours take place every 30 to 40 minutes as required.