uptownBasel Gets New CHF 50 Million Energy Centre – Primeo Energie Creates the "Wärmeverbund Birsstadt"
We live sustainability: in the Birstal, 25 existing heating systems and networks are being consolidated and converted to renewable energy. At its heart is the new energy centre on the uptownBasel site, which uses waste heat and biomass to produce heat. This creates the "Wärmeverbund Birsstadt" near Basel — a major project by Primeo Energie. Construction of the CHF 50 million facility is planned to begin in summer 2022.
A major expansion of renewable energy
At a glance:
- Networking and expansion of 25 existing neighbourhood heating networks
- Use of waste heat from the transformed uptownBasel site in Arlesheim
- Energy centre with a capacity of 19 megawatts
- A major increase in the share of renewable heat
- Use of regionally sourced waste wood
- Lowest possible emissions thanks to innovative large-scale combustion with state-of-the-art filter technology
- Investment of CHF 50 million
The starting signal for the "Wärmeverbund Birsstadt" has been given. Following an environmental impact assessment and general reviews, the building authorities have given the green light for the new energy centre, to be built on the uptownBasel site — the international competence centre for Industry 4.0 in Arlesheim. Construction is planned to begin in summer 2022, with the first customers expected to receive heat by the end of 2023.
The energy centre will supply renewable heat to 25 existing neighbourhood heating networks and facilities in the municipalities of Reinach, Arlesheim and Münchenstein, the entire uptownBasel site, and Primeo Energie's own site in Münchenstein. The construction and supply concept, including the expansion of the pipeline network to further municipalities and customers, will be implemented in stages. For the new network, Primeo Energie has devised a three-tier tariff model based on the share of renewable energy drawn. In total, Primeo Energie is investing CHF 50 million in the regional project.
Renewable energy and climate protection
The energy centre includes two biomass boilers fired by waste wood. State-of-the-art technology and filter systems ensure the lowest possible emissions. In summer, heat pumps will make use of waste heat from a new data centre on the site. Energy supply within the uptownBasel site itself runs through a thermal network that balances internal heating and cooling flows as far as possible. The location of the energy centre — in the heart of Arlesheim's industrial area, with direct motorway access and a central position in the wider heating network — is ideal. Old, conventionally operated heating centres no longer needed in the supply network will be decommissioned. With a renewable energy share of around 80%, the project protects the environment and climate while saving substantial CO2 emissions.
Regional energy for the region
The "Wärmeverbund Birsstadt" project stands out for its high share of renewable energy, short transport distances, and its broad use and networking of existing local heating networks — integrating already-existing capacity and invested capital into one overarching system, while improving environmental protection and energy efficiency. Regional roots are a priority in implementation, with collaboration with local partners given high importance and energy sourced from the region itself.
"Primeo Energie is a competent partner for future-proof, sustainable energy solutions. With the construction of the new biomass energy centre, substantial renewable energy from the region will be made available to customers on reasonable, economical terms," says Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Primeo Wärme AG.
Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, site developer of uptownBasel, adds that he is pleased "that alongside the existing local heating networks, uptownBasel too will be supplied with renewable energy — while at the same time serving as the location of the energy centre for the entire network."
Primeo Energie also supplies site customers with electricity and services such as e-mobility and joint self-consumption arrangements for photovoltaics, alongside heating and cooling.
The energy transition — consistently forward-looking
Primeo Energie has built district heating networks and facilities for 40 years, supplying more than 30,000 customers with heat and/or cooling in Switzerland and France. With its new energy centre and the "Wärmeverbund Birsstadt," Primeo Energie is making a significant contribution to the energy transition and to a sustainable, climate-friendly heating and cooling supply for the Basel region.
