17 of the 50 companies with the highest sales in Germany are based here and more than 700,000 small and medium-sized companies are rooted in the region: Despite all the crises, North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the -most relevant business locations in all of Europe. But at times when the legislature is moving quickly in matters stability demands, there is no alternative to measures for greater energy efficiency in the economy. A new development step is required.
This is especially true for the Ruhr region. The “German Rust Belt” benefited from fossil fuels for decades. In addition to the question of cost one energy efficient building operation The question of feasibility arises for companies of all sizes and industries. Especially since cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants must have submitted heat plans by June 30, 2026 and municipalities with less than 100,000 inhabitants by June 30, 2028. So yes there is a particular management crisis.
Today, in the heart room of the green coal pot, it is shown how energy efficiency can work despite the current economic challenges. Together with the construction technology company Caves as a technical partner they provide training Bochum city facilities energy center and they are fundamentally rethinking.
From gray ore to a sustainable pioneer with energy from mine water
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For the project, the energy plant in Bochum-Laer will be equipped with modern heating and cooling technology. The 70 hectare area was home to a mine until the 1950s. The Opel car company then moved there. At the end of 2020, the difficult brand pulled out of the place. Since then, new plans for the area have been formulated, postponed or at least partially implemented. The area is now receiving a major upgrade with the plan to build an energy plant by the public utilities company Bochum.
Once the step is completed, a new home for research centers, start-ups and technology companies will be created at the innovation quarter Mark 51 ° 7. This will close the gap from a resource-intensive commercial site to an innovative demonstration project. At least in theory. What does the procedure look like in practice?
Mine water up to 800 meters deep is the source of energy for about 80 percent of the total requirement. Coal was once brought to the surface from the tunnels that existed long ago and were now flooded. In the long term, the mine water will be used to produce climate-friendly energy.
The mine water, which has a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, will be used in the future to heat the customers’ buildings in conjunction with the heat pumps installed in the energy plant. The heat from the mine water that is pumped to the surface is transferred to an intermediate circuit through special heat exchangers. Heat pumps are connected to the intermediate circuit to provide the heat requirements of the buildings with the necessary higher temperature level.
The cooled mine water is then returned to another bed approximately 340 meters below the ground surface. The mineral water from this sole is used to cool buildings in the summer with a temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius. The waste heat that comes from the heat pumps is transferred to the mine water through the intermediate circuit and the heat exchangers, which is then put into the first unit.
The intermediate circuit is a heat transfer system between the mine water pumping and the heat pumps. Heat and cold are transferred to the intermediate circuit through mine water heat exchangers.
Heat pumps as part of an energy upgrade
In addition to the heat pump system in the energy plant, two other decentralized heat pump systems are to be built. These heat pump systems are also connected to the heat transfer system of the intermediate circuit. This also acts as a heat source and sink. The thermal output currently planned, which is to be available to users at the same time in the network at low temperature, is around 11,800 kilowatts of thermal output.
The designed network temperature in the low temperature network is a flow temperature of around 48 degrees Celsius in the base load – supply and support from the heat pump system – and weather controlled operation up to a maximum of 65 degrees Celsius at the highest level. load. The house stations should be designed so that the expected return temperature in the local heating network is a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius.
The heat pump system provides up to 48 degrees Celsius. When the outside temperature is lower, the basic heat pump system can no longer provide the required heat output. To achieve the required flow temperature in winter, the already heated water is reheated by the upstream district heating network. By reheating through district heating, the flow temperature can be regulated between 48 degrees Celsius and 65 degrees Celsius, depending on the weather. Importantly, district heating generated should not be transferred via heat pumps. As of August 2024, project planning is underway. Completion is expected at the end of 2025.
Caves
2024-12-01 05:04:00
#energy #tunnels #Heating #cooling #water
## Interview with a Sustainability Expert: Turning Ruhr Region’s industrial Past into a Sustainable Future
**World-Today-News:** the Ruhr region is undergoing a meaningful change, moving from its “Rust Belt” image to a center for sustainable development. Can you tell us more about the innovative projects taking place, especially the one involving mine water energy in Bochum?
**Expert:** You’re right, the Ruhr region is at a crossroads. With its history rooted in heavy industry adn fossil fuels,it faces unique challenges in transitioning to a sustainable future. However, this also presents an incredible possibility to leverage its existing infrastructure and create truly innovative solutions.
The mine water energy project in Bochum is a prime example. Historically,the region was synonymous with coal mining,leaving behind vast reserves of underground water. Now, this resource, harnessed through a network of pipes and heat-exchange systems, is being used to heat and cool buildings in the Mark 51 ° 7 innovation quarter, a hub designed to foster research, startups, and tech companies.
**World-Today-News:** This sounds like a remarkably efficient and environmentally friendly solution. What are the specific benefits of utilizing mine water for energy?
**Expert:** The advantages are multifaceted. Firstly, mine water is a readily available and renewable source of geothermal energy.Unlike fossil fuels, it doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, it considerably reduces dependence on external energy sources, making the region more energy independent and resilient.
Furthermore, the project utilizes existing infrastructure, minimizing the need for new construction and its associated environmental impacts. This makes it a highly sustainable and cost-effective solution compared to traditionalheating and cooling systems.
**World-Today-News:** What are the challenges associated with implementing such a project, and how are they being overcome?
**Expert:** Transitioning to a sustainable energy system is not without its challenges.
One key aspect is **technical complexity.** Designing and implementing a system that effectively harnesses geothermal energy from mine water requires specialized expertise and careful planning.
Another challenge lies in **regulatory frameworks and public acceptance**. Navigating existing regulations and gaining public support for innovative solutions can be time-consuming and complex. However, collaboration between local authorities, energy companies, and the community is vital to overcoming these hurdles.
The Bochum project demonstrates how proactive collaboration can lead to tangible results. City officials, public utilities, and companies like Caverion are working together to create a blueprint for sustainable urban development.
**World-Today-News:** How could similar projects across other regions benefit from the experience gained in Bochum?
**Expert:** The Bochum project serves as a valuable case study, not only for other parts of Germany but also for regions around the world that are grappling with similar challenges.
Sharing knowledge and best practices is crucial. The technical aspects, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement strategies employed in Bochum provide valuable insights for other areas considering developing similar projects.
**World-Today-News:** What is your vision for the future of the Ruhr region, and how does this mine water energy project fit into the bigger picture?
**Expert:** The Ruhr region has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable development. By leveraging its industrial legacy and embracing innovative solutions like mine water energy, the region can create a thriving economy that is both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
The Bochum project is a beacon of hope,demonstrating that the transition to a sustainable future is achievable.It’s not just about cleaner energy; it’s about revitalizing communities, creating new economic opportunities, and building a brighter future for generations to come.
