Project

Strengthening municipal resilience

Energy generation from sun and wind is subject to natural fluctuations, as it depends on weather and daily conditions. At the same time, energy demand is not constant either, but according to the time of day, season, and consumption patterns. To reduce grid loads and increase the energy-related resilience of municipalities, we are developing a concept for local energy balancing. The goal: autonomous, climate-neutral energy generation and storage.

Sustainable feedstocks

Within the joint project "biovolatil", a concept is being developed that is based on expanding existing systems with biomass gasifiers combined with combined heat and power plants (BV-BHKW) and geothermal systems (UTES). The gasification technology uses local biomass that that cannot be used elsewhere – sustainable feedstocks that can generate added value in BV-BHKW plants. We evaluate the different types of gasifiers and conduct practical tests on a commercial BV-BHKW to optimise operability and generate data for model development.

The use of UTES allows heat to be stored and balanced seasonally. This increases the efficiency of the BV-BHKW plants. In particular, medium-depth UTES, are used as their higher temperature level enables greater energy yield and more versatile heat supply. Seasonal charging increases the overall efficiency of the system by regenerating the temperature level underground with the heat stored during the warm months.

Integration into existing systems

The practicality of the new concept is tested using two model municipalities — Oberhausen and Zittau. We specifically assess the prerequisites in urban and rural areas to demonstrate integration into different existing systems. A before-and-after comparison illustrates reduction in greenhouse gases, increased autonomy to promote resilience, and economic viability.

Who benefits from "biovolatil"?

To facilitate transferability of the concept to other locations, we develop several scenarios. They define the criteria for the specific application of the technology on site.

Local energy suppliers

• can develop a diversified energy portfolio.
• receive a basis for decision-making on investments in innovative technologies.

Operators of existing plants

• gain insights into new ways of using their infrastructure.
• can better assess the economic viability and flexibility of their plants.

Municipalities and regions

• benefit from reliable criteria for integrating renewable technologies.
• strengthen their resilience and security of supply through tailored energy concepts.