Mayor Norbert Essich and Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH in Conversation
The POWER-E-COM project, co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme, highlights inspiring stories from pilot regions that are driving the energy transition forward. One such example comes from the municipalities of Schwabsoien and Schwabbruck in Bavaria, Germany. In a recent activity video, Mayor Norbert Essich and representatives from Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH discuss how their communities are taking significant steps toward climate neutrality.
Building a Climate-Friendly District Heating Network
The centerpiece of this transition is a district heating network developed by Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH. This network will supply local households with sustainable, climate-friendly heat. According to Mayor Essich, the project gained substantial support after being presented at a community assembly. The municipality itself benefits greatly from the project, as key public buildings—including the kindergarten, town hall, and fire station—will be connected to the district heating system.
From Concept to Reality: Founding Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH
The idea for Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH originated when local residents, including Mr. Eirenschmalz and Mr. Hefele, approached the municipality with the concept. Recognizing the potential benefits, the community supported the establishment of the company in 2022. Two motivated residents from Schwabsoien took the lead in founding the company, driven by the goal of making their village energy independent and free from reliance on major oil corporations.
Key Facts About the District Heating Project:
- Heat Supply: The heat is supplied by Eirenschmalz GmbH, providing approximately 2.6 MW of thermal energy—enough to supply around 300 households.
- Network Expansion: Currently, about 6.5 kilometers of pipeline have been constructed. The final expansion will cover approximately 8 kilometers, allowing additional households and properties to connect.
- Community Engagement: In Schwabsoien, around 50 households are already connected. In Schwabbruck, following a community assembly, plans are underway to extend the network, with 22 households already expressing interest.
Strong Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
The project’s success is also attributed to strong partnerships. For example, Dorfenergie Schwabsoien GmbH collaborates closely with Rehau, which supplies essential pipeline components. This partnership ensures smooth construction and reliable service for future expansions.
What Comes Next?
With available capacity in the network, further households and properties can still be connected. This opens new opportunities for more residents to benefit from sustainable heating, further strengthening the community’s energy independence.
An Inspiring Example for Other Communities
This activity video from Schwabsoien and Schwabbruck serves as a compelling example of how municipalities can actively shape the energy transition. The commitment of local leaders, engaged citizens, and reliable partnerships demonstrates how climate neutrality can become a reality—one step at a time.
Watch the full video here: Schwabsoien and Schwabbruck: On the Way to a Climate-Neutral Community
To choose your preferred subtitle language, click on the settings icon in the video player.
Leave a Reply