The energy transition is taking shape at uptownBasel.
With the installation of two large biomass boilers, Primeo Energie and uptownBasel have reached another important milestone in the development of the Birstal heating network. At its heart is the new energy center on the uptownBasel campus in Arlesheim – designed to turn surplus heat and renewable resources into energy for the wider region.
The Birstal heating network is an ambitious regional energy project developed by Primeo Energie in collaboration with uptownBasel. It will bring together 25 existing heating systems and networks across Arlesheim, Reinach and Münchenstein and gradually transition them towards renewable energy sources.
At the center of this transformation is the new energy facility located directly at uptownBasel.
From surplus heat to a regional energy source
The energy concept is based on making intelligent use of resources that are already available.
Once fully operational, surplus heat generated at the uptownBasel campus will serve as an important source of energy for the heating network. Rather than allowing this energy to go unused, it can be recovered and made available to buildings beyond the campus.
When additional heat is required – particularly during colder periods – biomass will complement the available surplus heat.
The two newly installed biomass boilers have capacities of 8 and 11 megawatts. They use wood as an energy source and are equipped with advanced combustion and filtering technology designed to keep emissions as low as possible.
A heat pump for the utilization of surplus heat is planned as a further component of the system.
Connecting 25 existing heating networks
The scale of the project extends far beyond uptownBasel itself.
Instead of replacing existing infrastructure entirely, 25 heating systems and local networks in Arlesheim, Reinach and Münchenstein are being connected to form a larger regional system.
This approach allows existing infrastructure to be integrated while progressively increasing the share of renewable energy.
Once fully developed, the energy center is planned to reach a capacity of up to 40 megawatts, making it the largest facility of its kind in Primeo Energie's Swiss portfolio.
The campus as part of the energy transition
For uptownBasel, sustainability is not limited to individual buildings or technologies. It is part of the way the entire campus is being developed.
The energy center demonstrates this approach in practice: energy flows within the campus are connected with the needs of the surrounding region. Surplus heat generated by activities at uptownBasel can become a valuable resource rather than a by-product.
At the same time, the campus itself uses an integrated thermal network designed to balance heating and cooling requirements internally wherever possible.
The result is an energy concept that connects industry, infrastructure and the surrounding communities.
Innovation beyond the companies on campus
uptownBasel was created as a place where technologies and new approaches can move from ideas into real-world applications. This principle applies not only to the companies located on the campus, but also to the infrastructure of the site itself.
Together with Primeo Energie, uptownBasel is demonstrating how an industrial and innovation campus can become an active component of a regional energy system.
The installation of the two biomass boilers marks another tangible step towards this goal – and towards a more connected and renewable energy future for the Birstal region.
Official media release – Installation of the biomass boilers at the Birstal heating network
