Heating costs decrease: Wahlstedt benefits from new wood gas system!

Hanssewerk Natur has announced that district heating in Wahlstedt in 2025 can benefit from a saving of 130,000 euros. This is the result of the commissioning of a new wood gas generation system and a combined heat and power plant (CHP) that will be put into operation in spring 2024. The integration of this technology increases the proportion of renewable energies to 52 percent.

There are around 1,000 district heating customers in Wahlstedt, including 770 households. On average, customers can expect a saving of around 130 euros. However, it should be noted that the individual consumption and needs can vary greatly. The price formula for district heating will be changed for the coming year. The new energy mix is ​​made up of 48% natural gas, 17% wood, 19% biogas and 16% organic heat.

Change of price structure and investments in technology

Despite the announced savings, the base amount for district heating increases an average of 120 euros per year. This year, 215 customers are faced with increased costs; 170 of them have to expect additional costs of less than 250 euros, while 45 customers have to pay more than 250 euros. The adjustments in the price structure are necessary to finance investments of 10 million euros in climate -friendly technologies.

Another problem is the high network losses in the city, which are almost 26%, while the average value in the industry is 16%. This is sometimes caused by high return temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius, which leads to an inefficient use of the heat. The new district heating statute was adopted against the resistance of the Greens and a Christian Democrat.

In addition, a class action lawsuit by the Federal Association of Consumer Association against Hansewerk Natur was submitted, which is directed against the increased prices. Around 100 customers from Wahlstedt support this lawsuit. An oral hearing is scheduled for February 12 in front of the Schleswig Higher Regional Court.

In connection with the cost situation of the district heating, it should be noted that the average district heating price in spring 2024 will be 12 cents per kWh. The basic annual costs for single -family houses fluctuate between 400 and 700 euros, the total costs amount to around 2,800 euros per year. The average district heating costs per square meter in 2023 are estimated at 15.70 euros, whereby there are significant regional price differences.

For the district heating supply in new buildings, a use of 24% is predicted in the first half of 2024, which underlines the importance of district heating for future energy supply.