6,000 tons of CO₂ savings per year: GETEC and SMS group commission one of the largest air-to-water heat pump plants in Germany

© GETEC

A milestone in industrial decarbonization: One of Germany's largest air-to-water heat pumps is being commissioned in Hilchenbach. Together, GETEC and SMS group have built an innovative power-to-heat plant that shows how sustainable, fossil-free energy solutions can be implemented economically and scalably. With an annual saving of 6,000 tonnes of CO₂, the plant, which is operated exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, sets a strong example for a climate-neutral future.

AI meets climate change mitigation – intelligent control makes the difference  

The system combines several high-tech components into an integrated heating solution. Four large air-to-water heat pumps with an output of 3 MWth extract thermal energy from the ambient air, even at sub-zero temperatures. This energy is temporarily stored in a source storage tank before water-to-water heat pumps with a capacity of 4 MWth heat it up to 85°C. A 2,000 m³ buffer storage system guarantees heat availability even during peak demand.

 
In particularly cold periods, an electric boiler with an output of 4 MWth kicks in, which also heats the water up to 95°C using only electricity. The intelligent control system is particularly innovative: An AI-supported forecasting model adjusts operation depending on the weather and load, so that the plant runs when electricity is cheap and green. "The power-to-heat plant is a central building block on our way to climate-neutral operation at the Hilchenbach site – a goal we want to achieve by 2030. At the same time, it is a signal of a new departure for all our other sites. As SMS group, we are driving forward the decarbonization of the global steel industry. However, it is just as important to us to take responsibility within our own company and to consistently implement sustainability in our facilities as well," says Fabíola Fernandez, CFO of SMS group.
The plant also stabilises the power grid by storing surplus green electricity in the form of heat. Thanks to its modular design, it can easily be expanded with other regenerative system components, making it a future-proof solution.

SMS group defined the framework conditions for the plant and implemented them together with GETEC as a partner. GETEC is responsible for the financing, implementation and operation of the state-of-the-art plant. "The power-to-heat plant in Hilchenbach shows how industrial decarbonisation already works today – economically, in a modular way and without any fossil energy," explains Thomas Stephanblome, CEO of GETEC Germany. "Together with SMS group, we have implemented a future-proof solution that extends beyond the site. This is exactly what drives us: We want to help our customers succeed by delivering reliable, economical and decarbonized energy and infrastructure solutions for the industry of today and tomorrow."

Funded by the BMWE

The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and is a model example of the decarbonisation of industrial sites. The BMWE's funding was administered by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control. BAFA President Dr. Mandy Pastohr: "With the federal funding for efficient heating networks (BEW), companies such as GETEC and SMS group can make a major contribution to restructuring their heat supply in a climate-neutral way." This benefits not only the companies themselves, but ultimately all of us. We are pleased that GETEC and SMS group have taken advantage of the funding and will be able to save large amounts of CO2 in the future with the commissioning of the air-to-water heat pump in order to make a contribution to climate change mitigation."

SMS group stands worldwide for future-oriented technology and outstanding service in mechanical and plant engineering for the metal industry. The company uses its 150 years of experience and digital know-how for continuous innovation beyond its core business – and generates sales of around 4 billion euros worldwide. SMS is the right partner for demanding projects. The company accompanies its customers throughout the entire life cycle of their plants, thus enabling profitable, resource-saving value chains. Paving the way for a carbon-neutral and sustainable metals industry is the company's declared goal. As a global player with German roots, SMS takes responsibility for its more than 13,500 employees.
https://www.sms-group.com | LinkedIn

GETEC is Europe's leading specialist for reliable, decarbonized energy and infrastructure solutions. With more than 3,100 dedicated employees at around 50 locations, we apply our expertise in the areas of technology, regulation and sustainability for our industrial and real estate clients. In this way, we support you in navigating the complex environment of the modern energy market and at the same time significantly reduce your CO₂ footprint. With over 11,000 systems, the company has a broad, sustainable technology offering. GETEC develops, finances and operates critical energy infrastructure across Europe through its regional platforms in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Benelux countries, Austria and Poland.
www.getec-energyservices.com | LinkedIn

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