Stadtwerke Gießen and the town of Hungen will be working closely together in future when it comes to energy supply. On Friday, 23 May, the two partners signed an easement agreement for the heat supply to the Stümpfenweg development area in the centre of Hungen.
One of the key challenges of the energy transition is to increase the efficiency of the heat supply to private households and public properties. Towns and municipalities are currently looking for solutions to master this task within their local community. Hungen has now come a step closer to this goal. Together with Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG), the town has signed an easement agreement for the "Stümpfenweg II. BA" development area. The contract, which has a term of at least 20 years, authorises SWG to operate local heating pipes on or under public roads, cycle paths, pavements and squares and to lay new pipes.
"The decisive factor for us was the experience that Stadtwerke Gießen has in the field of heating networks. We are delighted that they are now contributing their expertise to our municipality and that we will be working together on a long-term basis. This is an important step that will help us to make progress in terms of climate protection and establishing a modern energy supply and will also increase demand for the building plots in the extension of the "Stümpfenweg" development area, which is in a prime residential location," explained Mayor Rainer Wengorsch at the signing of the contract. First City Councillor Werner Wirth also emphasised: "The fact that we can continue to drive forward the local energy transition together with an expert from the region is of course a benefit."
Ideal on both a large and small scale
The advantages of heating networks are demonstrated by the example of Giessen, among others. There, SWG has been focussing on the consistent expansion of the district heating infrastructure for decades. Several new development areas - for example in Wettenberg-Wißmar or Heuchelheim - also prove that this model also works excellently on a smaller scale.
"The fact that we have been able to enter into a new long-term partnership with Hungen shows us that we are on the right track - in Giessen and the neighbouring communities. We are delighted that we will be able to support another municipality in the future in ensuring a climate-friendly and efficient heat supply for its citizens," emphasised Reinhard Paul, Technical Director at Stadtwerke Gießen. SWG is currently planning the heating network. Once completed, it will measure around 480 metres and supply 37 new buildings with heating energy. "The basis for maximising efficiency is comprehensive planning before the start of construction. We design the size and output of all systems to meet future requirements. At the same time, we are keeping open the possibility of being able to supply additional buildings at some point," explained Thomas Wagner, Head of Business Customer Sales at SWG.
The heating network in Hungen is supplied by a heating centre consisting of two natural gas condensing boilers with an output of 600 kilowatts (kW) and a combined heat and power unit (CHP) with a thermal output of 40 kW. The CHP unit also has an electrical output of 19 kW. In total, the plant will generate around 290,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of heat and around 120,000 kWh of electricity.