Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) is taking part in a lecture series organised by the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM). In their contributions, CEO Matthias Funk and Prof Dr Stefan Lechner from THM discuss how the energy transition is progressing in Giessen and where the journey is heading.
The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) has been organising a lecture series entitled "Responsibility Future" since April 2019. On 26 June at 7 pm, the topic "Energy transition at municipal level" is on the agenda. In addition to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Lechner from the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at THM, the organisers have also brought in Matthias Funk, Technical Director of Stadtwerke Gießen, as an expert. In fact, Matthias Funk stands for the reorganisation of the energy supply in Giessen and the region like no other. As a result, he will be able to provide numerous practical examples of what has happened locally in terms of the energy transition.
Both speakers address a broad spectrum of listeners with their presentations and have therefore presented the complex topics in a way that is also understandable for interested laypeople.
A municipal utility manages the energy transition
Matthias Funk's presentation repeatedly refers back to a book that the energy expert wrote and published together with a colleague several years ago. "It summarises the energy concept we are pursuing and what we have already set in motion in Giessen," explains Matthias Funk. The book also describes how SWG has laid the foundations over many years for the progress that can be seen today in terms of sustainable energy supply. "The basis for this is our extensive heating network," summarises Matthias Funk. "Because it enables us to utilise the primary energy we use more and more efficiently. The passionate engineer also explains how this works.
To better assess the situation, the SWG board member also makes a comparative calculation: Where would Giessen be today in energy terms if the last 30 years in Giessen had gone the same way as in the vast majority of comparable German cities? The result of this calculation is likely to surprise many. Matthias Funk also ventures a look into the future and outlines what needs to happen from the perspective of a municipal utility in order to achieve the ambitious targets for 2035. Last but not least, he addresses the topic of mobility. He explains why the SWG subsidiary MIT.BUS does not rely on electricity for its drive technology and still has an excellent environmental footprint. Finally, using the example of the new SWG product E-Revolution, he shows how a clever concept - which also includes the company's own green electricity production and battery storage - makes individual e-mobility affordable.
The scientific view
In his part, Prof Dr Stefan Lechner sheds light on various aspects of the energy transition from a scientific perspective. For example, he describes the technical options for implementation, but also the effects on the energy industry in general, on the municipal energy supply in terms of technical and economic possibilities and on citizens. He also discusses the legal framework and conflicts arising from this - today and in the future.
Last but not least, the university lecturer explains how the state-funded Flexquartier research project, in which THM and SWG are working together, operates in this area of conflict. The residential neighbourhood, which is currently being planned, will be built on the site of the former US depot from 2020. Apartment blocks and terraced houses are planned. As things stand today, 50 per cent of the roof areas are to be equipped with photovoltaic cells. "The idea behind this is to explore how self-sufficient a residential neighbourhood can be today if we combine available technology in a sensible way," says Prof. Dr Stefan Lechner. Consequently, an important focus of the study is on various storage systems - for both electricity and heat.
A discussion is planned after the presentations. Of course, the speakers will also answer questions from the audience.
Date: 26 June 2019
Start: 7 p.m.
Location: Building B21, THM Campus Gießen,
Ludwigsplatz 5 (Roxy)