Fernwärmekraftwerken

Fernwärmekraftwerke, also known as district heating power plants, are facilities that generate heat for distribution to buildings within a specific area. These plants typically burn a fuel source, such as coal, natural gas, biomass, or waste, to produce high-temperature water or steam. This heat is then transported through a network of insulated underground pipes to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.

The primary purpose of a Fernwärmekraftwerk is to provide a centralized and efficient way to heat multiple properties. This can lead to reduced emissions compared to individual heating systems, especially when utilizing cleaner fuels or waste heat recovery. Many Fernwärmekraftwerke are combined heat and power (CHP) plants, meaning they generate both electricity and heat simultaneously. This dual production significantly improves overall energy efficiency by utilizing the waste heat from electricity generation for district heating.

The district heating network consists of supply and return pipelines. Hot water or steam flows from the power plant through the supply pipes to buildings. Inside each building, heat exchangers transfer the heat from the district heating water to the building's internal heating system. The cooled water or condensed steam then returns to the power plant through the return pipes to be reheated. This closed-loop system ensures continuous heat delivery. Fernwärmekraftwerke are a common and effective solution for heating in many European cities, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability.