Feasibility study and Digital Twin for the Wunstorf heating networks

Project Structure and Process

A feasibility study on future heat supply was prepared for MeerWärme Wunstorf GmbH, a joint venture of Stadtwerke Wunstorf and Avacon Natur GmbH. The aim was to assess the potential for new heating networks in three urban areas: the city centre, Oststadt and the Barne district. For each sub-area, a baseline analysis determined heat demand, building structure and connection potential, which then fed into the network and heat generation planning. Several network topologies were evaluated within each study area.

The study also examined a scenario that combines all three areas into a single heating network, supplied centrally by a deep geothermal plant. This allowed the three separate networks to be compared against the synergies of one connected network, giving a sound basis for deciding how to proceed.

Scope of Services

A potential analysis assessed the locally available heat sources in terms of capacity, energy yield and how they vary over time. The heat sources considered for large-scale heat pumps were deep geothermal energy, river water, wastewater and ambient air. For each of the three urban areas, and for the combined scenario, possible combinations of heat generators were developed. These were assessed for technical suitability, land requirements and feasibility. For each network variant, the pipe routing, sizing and costs were estimated at a preliminary level. The scenarios were simulated at hourly resolution and compared on primary energy factor, CO₂ emissions and economic viability.

Results and Next Steps

The feasibility study gives the MeerWärme Wunstorf GmbH the basis for deciding whether a grid-based heat supply should be pursued in the areas studied, and in what form. The results show whether one of the separate networks or the combined scenario with deep geothermal energy offers the greatest potential. They will also serve as the basis for commissioning more detailed planning.