IKEM is participating in the “WasSERDICHT” research project together with Stadtwerke Borken, Münster University of Applied Sciences, and AquaEcology. The goal of the project is to conduct a scientific investigation into the use of heat from drinking water and thereby develop a new climate-friendly heat source for Germany.
The project—funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the 8th Energy Research Program—focuses on the question of how the heat contained in drinking water can be used in the future for heating in a safe, efficient, and legally compliant manner. Even small reductions in temperature could provide significant amounts of climate-friendly heat throughout Germany. While such technologies are already in use in countries such as the Netherlands and Switzerland, legal and societal hurdles still exist in Germany.
“The ‘WasSERDICHT’ pilot project aims to demonstrate that drinking water infrastructure can play an important role in the heating transition in the future,” explains Markus Niehaus from the Development Department at Stadtwerke Borken.
As part of the project, a pilot plant for generating heat from drinking water will be set up at Stadtwerke Borken’s water treatment plant and scientifically monitored over an 18-month period. The system will utilize heat exchangers and modern heat pump technology. Particular attention is being paid to ensuring drinking water quality and to comprehensive monitoring of the system.
“The combination of drinking water supply and municipal heat supply offers enormous potential. With this project, we are gaining important practical experience for a possible future implementation on a larger scale,” says Ron Keßeler, managing director of Stadtwerke Borken.
Münster University of Applied Sciences is providing scientific support. There, technical concepts are being developed, energy potential is being analyzed, and the pilot plant is being scientifically evaluated.
“What makes this project special is the close integration of research and practice. We are not only investigating technical feasibility, but are also laying an important foundation for the future use of this technology in municipalities,” explains Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elmar Brügging of the Department of Energy, Buildings, and Environment at Münster University of Applied Sciences.
In addition to technical development, IKEM is examining the legal framework and societal acceptance of the technology.
“The project combines technical innovation with legal and social issues. The findings from Borken could provide important insights for municipalities and utility companies throughout Germany in the future,” explains Josefine Lyda, a Research Associate in the field of energy law at IKEM.
AquaEcology is supporting the project with comprehensive analyses of drinking water quality and potential impacts on water hygiene.
“Ensuring drinking water quality is the top priority throughout the entire project. That is why we are supporting the pilot plant with comprehensive microbiological and chemical analyses as well as continuous monitoring,” explains Thomas Raabe, a certified chemist and managing director of AquaEcology in Oldenburg.
Since many municipal utilities are responsible for both the drinking water supply and public buildings or swimming pools, the project is considered by those involved to have great potential for broader application. The findings will therefore also be made available to other municipalities and utility companies. The “WasSERDICHT” research project thus provides an important building block for sustainable and climate-friendly heat supply in German cities and municipalities.
