Heat Pumps in Action: Berlin’s Sustainable Heat Future

Heat pumps are vital components of the energy transition. They utilize waste heat or renewable energy sources to provide efficient heating and cooling solutions. At 西门子能源 we offer large industry scale heat pumps for district heating or industrial applications. Excitingly, at Reuter West we are installing four large scale industrial heat pumps with a combined average thermal capacity of 75 MW for district heating use. These heat pumps are poised to revolutionize heat production at the former coal-fired power plant site in Berlin, Germany.

In collaboration with Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB) and Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR), Vattenfall W?rme is committing over 200 million euros to this visionary project. Our joint mission? To create a greener, cleaner future for Berlin and beyond.

The heart of this project lies within the Ruhleben sewage treatment plant. Our large heat pump system taps into the purification stage, utilizing sewage water at temperatures ranging from 13°C to 27°C. This water becomes the wellspring of sustainable energy. The heat pump cools the wastewater to 15°C, extracting its latent energy. Subsequently, this energy is transferred to the district heating system, providing warmth to homes and businesses within a range of 80°C to 95°C.

When fully operational, this system will supply climate-friendly district heating to 45,000 households. Imagine the positive ripple effect: reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, and a significant step toward our shared climate goals.

Our commitment extends beyond bricks and pipes. By embracing heat pumps, we anticipate an annual reduction of approximately 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions. That’s equivalent to the emissions from 36,000 mid-range cars over the same period. It’s a win for the environment, for Berlin, and for generations to come.

The Reuter West power plant site in Berlin-Spandau exemplifies how the heat transition can succeed through strong partnerships and efficient infrastructure networking. Our Siemens Energy heat pump system ensures that the residual heat from the treated wastewater of the Ruhleben sewage treatment plant is used even more efficiently as a local heat source for Berlin’s future heat supply. Together, we make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of Berlin’s district heating and the capital’s climate neutrality. A project to be proud of.

To our partners, collaborators, and the dedicated teams working tirelessly on this project: THANK YOU. Together, we’re shaping a more sustainable world.