E.ON is responsible for the planning, construction, and process engineering of the plant, which will make a significant contribution to independence from fossil fuels once it is in operation. The major investment at the site is proof that the company from the Vulkaneifel region is actively shaping climate protection and consistently continues its sustainable path.
Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer had words of praise for the project, saying, “This project shows the central role that sustainable management has for Gerolsteiner. It is a very good sign for the location that continuous investments are being made in sustainability and green energy. Companies like Gerolsteiner are therefore important role models!”
Gerolsteiner Brunnen has committed to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. The company has aimed to reduce its emissions at the site by 59% by 2030 compared to 2016.
“With the help of many large and small adjustments, we have already managed to achieve this important target for climate protection ahead of schedule for the first time in 2024,” said Roel Annega, Chairman of the Management Board. Consequently, the planned biomass CHP plant is another milestone for the company on its path to active climate protection.
E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) is Gerolsteiner’s partner in the construction process of the biomass CHP plant. Marten Bunnemann, CEO of EIS, said at the event in the Vulkaneifel, “This project is an impressive example of how two strong partners can join forces to drive the energy transition forward. We are supporting Gerolsteiner with the new plant to become more independent and to save costs and emissions. This benefits the company, its customers, and the environment.”
The plant, which is expected to go into operation at the beginning of 2027, is a biomass CHP plant that will be operated with wood chips from regional sources. This will produce both electrical energy and heat, allowing Gerolsteiner to sustainably produce up to 95% of its total heat demand and 20% of its electricity demand at the Vulkanring site. Additionally, the company will save more than 7,000 tons of CO2 in this way.
The biomass used consists exclusively of wood chips from defective wood, diseased wood, forest residues and green waste, which are types of wood that cannot be processed into higher-quality wood by the wood manufacturing industry.
