Expansion of the Gräfenberg local heating network

In 2003, a biomass heating plant with an associated local heating network was built in the town of Gräfenberg. This local heating network is currently being expanded by approximately 1,300 metres of main pipeline, so that more than 60 new consumers can be supplied with renewable heat from the existing biomass heating plant.

By connecting the buildings to the local heating network, outdated and inefficient heating oil boilers can be replaced and the use of fossil resources reduced. The greenhouse gas emissions of the heat supply will thus be significantly reduced annually. In terms of CO₂ pricing, a further advantage of the renewable local heating supply over fossil-fuelled individual heating systems is also apparent.

Current status

At the moment, the project for the renewable local heating expansion in Gräfenberg is in the construction phase. eta Energieberatung is responsible for the construction management (LPH 8) and the local construction supervision as a special service. The project is being realised in several construction phases. Construction work began in April 2021 and is scheduled for completion at the end of June 2022.

Currently, both civil engineering and pipeline construction works are being carried out. KMR pipes are being installed as the pipe system. These are pre-insulated rigid plastic composite pipes with a steel carrier pipe. The heat is transferred indirectly in the respective buildings of the heat consumers with the help of house transfer stations.

In the current construction phase, the residential area near the school centre is being connected to local heating. Next year, the pipeline will be laid further towards the old town and the market square.