EnNiederkrüchten: Energy for Niederkrüchten

Wie lässt sich der künftig im Energie- und Gewerbepark in Niederkrüchten erzeugte Wind- und Solarstrom optimal für die Gemeinde, den neuen Gewerbepark und die Region nutzen? Diese Frage stand im Zentrum des Projekts »EnNiederkrüchten: Energie für Niederkrüchten«. Schwerpunkte waren die Entwicklung möglicher Konzepte, die Identifizierung geeigneter Technologien sowie die Ableitung erforderlicher Maßnahmen und Arbeiten, um sowohl für die Gemeinde als auch den Gewerbe- und Industriepark klimaneutrale, lokale Energielösungen anbieten zu können. Das Aufgabenpaket von Fraunhofer UMSICHT bestand dabei aus drei Teilen:

(1) Analysis of the potential for energy generation and energy demand for the energy park and the commercial and industrial park, including consideration of the possible use of hydrogen and an analysis of the surrounding area with a focus on electricity and heat demand

(2) Concept development for a climate-neutral energy system for the commercial and industrial park, including variants and scenarios for exploiting synergies through the energy park and municipal integration of energy use

(3) Support for further planning and development phases with the aim of achieving the best possible practical implementation and continuous adaptation of the energy concept based on dynamic framework conditions through stakeholder moderation and the development of recommendations for action

“Energy for Niederkrüchten” aims to optimize the supply of climate-neutral, locally generated energy to the municipality of Niederkrüchten and the new Elmpt commercial and industrial park. In doing so, the project contributes to the sustainable development of the region and supports ecological and economic goals. The specific benefits include the following:

• Climate protection: The optimized use of renewable energies will reduce CO₂ emissions by an above-average amount.
• Resilience: Local energy production reduces dependence on fossil fuels and external energy suppliers, enabling energy costs to be planned.
• Value creation: The energy value added remains in the local area, strengthening local businesses and the community.
• Community engagement: Involving political representatives of citizens from all parties in the concept development process promotes awareness of sustainable practices and strengthens the sense of community.

UMSICHT researchers conducted a demand, generation and potential analysis for a large-scale development (approx. 200 ha) consisting of an industrial park and an energy park (5 wind turbines) with regard to a possible energy supply for the neighboring municipality of Niederkrüchten. Energy requirements and generation were balanced and, based on this, an energy concept including a business model for all stakeholders was drawn up and presented to the public.

Main result: Enough energy can be provided on site to supply the business park with electricity and heat. The electricity demand for e-mobility (e-trucks) may exceed generation. However, without e-mobility, enough energy is available to also supply part of the community via a heating network. It is still unclear whether suitable stakeholders can be found to implement an expansion of the heating network into the community of Niederkrüchten. A joint medium-voltage transformer and a power purchase agreement between the business park and the energy park are being sought.

• Gemeinde Niederkrüchten (municipality)