Energy transition with UHRIG

Unknown in official texts

The idea of generating heat from wastewater is still quite new and therefore little known. This applies to potential consumers of wastewater heat as well as to the sewer network operators and other actors on the “supply side”. To make matters worse, the legal framework does not always clearly designate wastewater as an energy source. In the process, the new Building Energy Act (GEG) from 2020 has recognised: Wastewater heat is not waste heat, but a renewable energy. In Germany, it is a legal requirement that a certain proportion of the heat energy in new buildings must come from renewable energies, or that the energy-efficient conversion of existing buildings is subsidised. However, since heat from wastewater is not always named as an option in the relevant laws, its marketing and expansion are made more difficult. This means that literally day after day a lot of energy goes down the drain unused. In view of the impending climate catastrophe and the necessary energy transition, this is an untenable state of affairs.

Ignorance makes cautious

In practice, the problem shows up as follows: To check whether the use of heat from wastewater is worthwhile at a location (building, settlement), three pieces of information are required:

• Is there a sewer nearby?
• What is the minimum volume of wastewater carried by this sewer?
• What is the minimum temperature of the wastewater?

Based on these three simple pieces of information, the possibilities and costs for generating heat from wastewater can be calculated for this location and compared with other alternatives. However, since wastewater heat is not always clearly named as an option in laws and funding programmes, there is uncertainty on both sides. This applies to the sewer network operator, who could provide information about the sewer, wastewater volume and temperature, as well as to the potential customer. This results in concern and reluctance. This is where society and, above all, politics must come in, so that heat from wastewater can compete on an equal footing with other options for climate-friendly energy production.

We are waiting for these steps

Concrete measures at various levels are needed for equal market entry as well as marketing and expansion of wastewater heat recovery. Important steps in this direction include:

• an electricity price reduction for heat pump electricity from renewable energies.
• an effective CO₂ price that evaluates and prices the environmental impact of individual energy sources. The CO₂ price starting in 2021 is clearly too low.
• the designation of favourable wastewater heat sites in potential atlases, as they also exist for wind energy.
• the consideration of wastewater heat in information campaigns and (comparative) studies by the federal government, federal states, municipalities and research institutions.

For UHRIG, the heat transition is at the top of the agenda. Give us a call for more information on our climate-friendly wastewater heat!

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.