Objective
At the end of the 80s, within the context of the regional energy planning programme, this region developed an energy planning procedure to further the exploitation of local resources and their rational use. A study undertaken of the local economic impact of energy investments demonstrated that they had led to a growth in regional energy production, while also having a favourable effect on employment particularly through the secondary repercussions of reduced energy costs.
The target of phase 11 of the assessment study was the application of those evaluation methods that had been tested previously. It concentrates on the cost-effectiveness of investments, whether at the level of the regional supply and distribution system, or of environmental improvements. The study also examines the potential contribution of biomass ("energy crops", or vegetable matter energy sources) to the regional energy balance.
1. strict heating
- For the tenants of the buildings concerned, the fact that the present district heating systems utilised (coal or oil) are often basic or inefficient means that the installation of a district heating system will lead to a reduction in tenants' charges, as well as improving living comfort. It is worth noting that if the buildings had been equipped with modern, efficient heating systems, the installation of a district heating system would not have been economically feasible for this category, without additional state support.
- For the building/apartment owners, district heating is economically viable in all cases. If the building is not equipped with central heating, the basic investment is reduced and renovation made easier. At the same time, owners can expect to be able to increase rents and, as a result, to recover costs agreed in the long term. If the building already has central heating, the owner will again benefit economically. District heating is effectively paid for directly by the tenant, which means that owners are not obliged to prefinance the purchase of fuel, which is only paid back when tenants' charges are paid.
- For the municipal authorities, this increases the attractiveness of the areas concerned. Notable benefits in both places of residence and places of work include a reduction in living costs for the population, the renovation of the site and an improved environment.
- For the electricians in charge of the power station and, if the case arises, for the suppliers of gas as a potential fuel, the installation of district heating is also advantageous because it provides them with a new commercial market.
2. energy optimization of plans in school buildings
The use of passive solar energy has been maximised through the south-facing orientation and use of adapted glazing. In addition to the traditional utilisation of thermal and noise insulation for the external walls and savings achieved with the heating and air conditioning system, other optimization alternatives have been suggested. These include. for example, the use of solar panels. use of rain-water (watering and cleaning) or even the selection of a suitable compromise between thermal insulation and heat storage in the internal dividing walls between the classrooms and unheated corridors.
Northern Oberpfalz, which is mainly characterised by an outdated industry, is considered to be a peripheral "problem" region among the other western German lander. At present, 80% of jobs in the manufacturing sector are threatened, with 50% of these at risk because of the high level of energy costs. The latter is one of the most important factors underlying the lack of competitiveness. The lack of regional infrastructure presents a barrier to economic and social recovery.
1. Conditions for a district heating installation:
- availability of an economically-usable 9 GWh from the unused waste of the Arzberg brown coal electricity power station;
- potential to install a network of sufficiently dense pipelines within the selected districts;
- renovation requirement for buildings regarding heating installation
Through a rational use of energy by cogeneration, the accomplishment of such a system which involve a series of noticeable improvements in the development of the town. These willinclude a reduction in emissions, energy saving and a decrease in costs for tenants.
The technical concept must, however, be studied in more depth regarding economic feasibility; technological transfer, contractual arrangements, financial support and the search for state subsidies.
For the establishment of Arzberg's district heating to be successful, it is important that all the participants involved consumers, municipal authorities and energy suppliers are persuaded of the economic advantage. Therefore, this factor was also studied from the point of view of each of these targets.
2. Energy saving in public administration
It is important to identify the energy savings potential and the measures necessary to encourage them. Two energy savings fields in particular were selected: the first is indirect, and since it has an important environmental component, concerns the procurement of office equipment; the second, which is direct, is aimed at a reorganisation in the district's vehiclefleet. Both areas studied are viable: 3. Energy optimization of plans for a school building
The study took particular account of the building's function as a school. A number of factors impact on the total energy efficiency, including the design and creation of spaces, the division and orientation of rooms in the building or the materials utilised. However, it was agreed that any potential modifications to the initial plans were only justified if they did not involve any excessive increase in investment.
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DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
93059 Regensburg
Germany