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- Geothermal energy on the rise: Opportunities for cost- and energy-efficient building operation in Germany?
Geothermal energy on the rise: Opportunities for cost- and energy-efficient building operation in Germany?
Simplified approval procedures and the classification as “overriding public interest” should make projects more quickly realizable.
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In times of increasingly complex energy systems, ensuring energy- and cost-efficient operation is elementary! Contracting in its various forms is the means of choice for this purpose. The process must be controlled to ensure that the formulated goal is achieved.
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Geothermal energy on the rise: opportunities for cost- and energy-efficient building operation in Germany?
Ground source heat pumps (brine/water heat pumps) use the constant temperature of the ground as a heat source. They are generally the most efficient, as they work independently of outside temperatures and can use a stable energy source all year round and have very good COP values.
Before the introduction of the Geothermal Acceleration Act (GeoWG), one of the main problems with geothermal projects in Germany was the long and complex approval procedures. These processes often took several years, which significantly delayed planning and implementation and drove up costs. There were also regulatory uncertainties, particularly in construction law and federal regulations, which hindered the expansion of geothermal energy. These obstacles meant that many potential projects were not even realized.
Geothermal energy in Germany is now receiving a boost thanks to the Geothermal Energy Acceleration Act (GeoWG). Simplified approval procedures and the classification as “overriding public interest” should make projects more quickly realizable. [see So will der Bund Geothermie in Deutschland voranbringen (vdi-nachrichten.com), viewed on 11.08.2024] This represents a great opportunity for project developers and owners to use further cost- and energy-efficient energy solutions.
Ground source heat pumps use the constant temperature of the ground to generate heat, making them independent of fossil fuels. As other technologies, such as air-to-water heat pumps, lose efficiency at extremely low temperatures and often rely on additional energy sources such as electricity or fossil fuels, ground source heat pumps offer a reliable and emission-free solution. As a result, they play a crucial role in reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving climate targets in Germany.
The transfer of geothermal heat pumps to a contracting model offers numerous advantages, especially when using geothermal heat pumps. One of the main advantages lies in the cost savings at the time of purchase, as the contractor assumes the high initial investment for the installation. This relieves the owner or builder considerably of the high capital costs. In addition, the model offers a high degree of planning security thanks to clear agreements on long-term operating costs. This protects the user from unexpected financial burdens and enables reliable budget planning.
Another advantage is the professional operation and maintenance of geothermal heat pumps, which is usually carried out by experienced providers. This ensures that the systems function optimally and possible breakdowns or inefficiencies are minimized. In addition, contractors often use the latest and most efficient technology in order to reduce their own operating costs. As a result, users benefit from geothermal heat pumps that are state of the art.
Contracting also reduces the operating risk for the owner or user, as the contractor assumes responsibility for technical problems or efficiency losses. For companies or facilities without expertise in energy management, this model also allows them to focus on their core competencies while leaving the energy supply in professional hands.
Another aspect is sustainability: the use of geothermal heat pumps demonstrates a strong commitment to environmentally friendly energy, which can lead to a positive image boost as part of a contracting model. Furthermore, there are often no additional operating costs during the contract term, as these are included in the monthly installments of the contract. Finally, users benefit in the long term from the low energy costs achieved through the use of geothermal heat pumps, even if the costs are initially spread over a longer period of time.
By transferring geothermal heat pumps to a contracting model, the benefits of this technology can be exploited without having to bear the financial and operational challenges yourself.
Companies that are early adopters of geothermal energy benefit from a strong market position and actively contribute to achieving climate targets.
Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions that require a high initial investment but are extremely cost-effective to operate. Their ability to operate almost independently of fossil fuels makes them a key element of a sustainable, emission-free energy supply. Fossil-free operation is difficult to achieve in many cases without the use of geothermal heat pumps, which further underlines their importance for the energy transition. The new law offers further scope for action to make efficient use of geothermal heat pumps.
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