Mineral water producer Gerolsteiner Brunnen has broken ground on a new biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its site in the Vulkaneifel region, Germany, in partnership with energy provider E.ON.
The plant is set to significantly reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels and further its long-standing commitment to climate protection.
Once operational in early 2027, the plant will supply up to 95% of Gerolsteiner’s heat demand and around 20% of its electricity needs.
It will run on regionally sourced biomass, including wood chips from damaged or diseased wood, forest residues, and green waste, that would otherwise go unused in traditional wood processing industries.
E.ON will lead the planning, construction and process engineering of the plant through its Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) division.
The project is expected to reduce the company’s carbon emissions by over 7,000 tonnes annually.
A ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Alexander Schweitzer, Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, and Verena Hubertz, Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building.
Roel Annega, Chairman of the Management Board at Gerolsteiner, explained the plant’s significance in meeting the company’s climate targets: "We’ve already reached our goal of cutting site emissions by 59% compared to 2016 – six years ahead of schedule. The new biomass CHP plant is a key step forward in continuing that progress."
Marten Bunnemann, CEO of E.ON EIS, added: "This partnership is a great example of how two strong players can work together to accelerate the energy transition. The project not only brings environmental benefits, but also enhances Gerolsteiner’s energy independence and cost efficiency."
Gerolsteiner begins construction of biomass plant with E.ON
