Mannheim receives the largest river heat pump in the world - a milestone for heat supply!

Mannheim receives the largest river heat pump in the world - a milestone for heat supply!

In an impressive step towards sustainable energy production, MVV Energie AG has presented plans for the construction of the world's largest river heat pump on the site of the large power plant in Mannheim (GKM). With a thermal output of an impressive 165 megawatts, the system will provide climate-friendly heat for up to 40,000 households in the future. Commissioning is planned for winter 2028. This initiative supports the urgently needed decarbonization of regional district heating and is being implemented with a total investment volume of around 200 million euros, financed by funds from the federal funding for efficient heating networks (BEW). reports the solar server.

The river heat pump will use the water of the Rhine as a heat source and works with the refrigerant isobutane. This enables the generation of district heating with temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius. Currently, around 50 percent of MVV’s district heating comes from renewable sources – a great step into the future!

Support for innovative technologies

The construction contract for the new plant was awarded to Strabag Umwelttechnik GmbH, which brings its design and construction expertise from plant construction to the project. The preliminary and draft planning is in the hands of INP Deutschland GmbH, and construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in mid-2026. In order to further expand the mix of renewable energy sources, the GKM is planning a hydrogen-capable district heating reheater that will be operated together with the river heat pump referring to the solar server.

But while these technologies are groundbreaking, it also shows how important smart regulation and implementation strategies are. A study by the TU Braunschweig shows that the recovery of river heat has enormous potential: almost two thirds of households in Germany could be kept warm if the heat from running water is used wisely. Flow heat pumps could cover up to 60% of the heat required for building heating, which could significantly reduce the pressure on conventional energy sources report the Scientists for Future.

Challenges caused by bureaucracy

But the path to more efficient use of these technologies is riddled with challenges. Too much bureaucracy can jeopardize implementation. Concerns from conservation circles often relate to the possible overexploitation of surface water. The current LAWA guidelines, which were developed on the use of water for heat generation, are controversial and could make the use of river heat pumps more difficult by requiring a case-by-case assessment that is too complicated for many operators and municipalities. A rethink is urgently needed here in order not to let the opportunities offered by this technology go to waste states Scientists for Future.

Overall, it shows that innovative approaches such as the river heat pump in Mannheim not only have the potential to shape the energy future sustainably, but also represent a great opportunity for the economy. Engaging in such groundbreaking projects is not only environmentally conscious, but also good business from an economic perspective!