Economic efficiency: Wastewater heat utilisation pays off!

Attractive heating price

The so-called heat production costs are used as a comparative value for the costs of heating systems. These include the total heat price, i.e. all costs incurred for the specific heating output. At suitable locations, the heat production costs for heat from wastewater are around 7 cents per kWh of heating capacity. This full cost calculation already includes the acquisition costs (heat exchanger, development, heat pump) and the heat pump electricity.

Also stands up to direct comparison

Heat from wastewater is also competitive in a direct comparison with heat generation from environmental energy via heat pumps. If one compares the investment costs incurred for geothermal earth probes with the costs for a modern sewer heat exchanger technology, this becomes obvious. Correspondingly, geothermal energy, whose heat price is 8 to 10 ct / KWh for deep geothermal energy and 6 to 10 ct / kWh for surface geothermal energy, is only cheaper than wastewater heat recovery under optimal circumstances. In addition, the higher temperature level in the sewer means that the coefficient of performance of the heat pumps is higher, i.e. they work more efficiently. This means that wastewater heat is clearly an effective and economical source of energy for heating with heat pump technology.

Tried and tested and found to be competitive

Across Europe there are 120 systems for generating heat from wastewater that are equipped with UHRIG’s Therm-Liner technology. This makes UHRIG the market leader in Europe with a market share of over 90%. The thorough evaluation of these systems and the analysis of the economic indicators from practice show a clear result: Wastewater heat utilisation is competitive in many locations, both with fossil fuels and other renewables or environmental energies. It does not even need subsidies for this. Moreover, since the wastewater heat can be used not only for heating but also for cooling, the economic efficiency is increased even further.

In addition to direct economic efficiency, heat from wastewater has another advantage: It is also economical in the long term in terms of a future-oriented energy and heat transition. Because – if the electricity for the heat pump comes from renewable energies – it works emission-free: That means that it holds great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and helps to save resources. The introduction of a CO2 price in Germany from January 2021 will further shift the price structure in favour of technologies such as wastewater heat. Call us and find out more about the economical and climate-friendly technology from UHRIG!

Good reasons to choose Uhrig

Sustainability & Environmental protection

Sustainable and careful action is not just a cliche for us. We make bodies of water clean again and ensure that our groundwater always remains clean.

Experience & Know how

With over 55 years of experience in civil engineering and sewer construction, we know what is important in our complete solutions which are well thought out from start to finish, so that we can hand over a project that is ready for operation.

Innovation & Engagement

There is always an adjustment, that would enable us to do even better with our products. We therefore constantly work on innovations and improvements.