Greenpower: Unique energy ecosystem in Dagmersellen
An ecosystem of renewable energies is planned in Dagmersellen. The centrepiece is a large wood-fired power plant that is to produce heat and renewable energy, including for green hydrogen, from 2027 at the earliest.
An energy ecosystem unique in Switzerland is to be created in Dagmersellen over the next few years. The transport company Galliker, the milk processor Emmi, the producer of biogas PanGas and the energy supplier CKW have signed a joint declaration of intent at the end of 2022.
For the partners, the project is an important step towards achieving the energy strategy goals of the companies involved and of Switzerland. “Together we want to drive forward the energy transition and make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation and diversification of the energy supply with the planned energy ecosystem,” explains Martin Schwab, CEO of CKW.
The energy ecosystem will start with a wood-fired power plant operated by CKW to produce heat and electricity. PanGas will use part of the electricity to produce hydrogen to supply Galliker’s fleet of trucks. In addition, PanGas will extract green CO2 from the combustion process; for use in the food industry, for example.
“At PanGas, we have always been involved with hydrogen. We are very pleased that we can make a significant contribution to CO2 reduction with this project and come a big step closer to the Swiss decarbonisation target”, says Roger Britschgi, Managing Director PanGas.
With the renewable energy from the wood-fired power plant, Emmi covers part of the thermal energy required at the Dagmersellen production site for the production of fresh cheese specialities such as mozzarella or ricotta as well as milk powder. With a view to closing the loop, Emmi also supplies demineralised water from the production of dairy products for hydrogen production.
“This unique energy ecosystem, designed in conjunction with three regionally based national partners, enables more sustainable production of our dairy products and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels,” says Marc Heim, Head of Emmi Switzerland.
The wood-fired power plant will produce electricity and heat when fully operational. Emmi will use a good third of the heat. Other possible heat consumers are local industry and heating networks in the surrounding villages. As far as possible, the wood-fired power plant will be operated with regional forest chips and waste wood. This will require up to 200,000 tonnes of wood per year.
The four companies plan to invest a total of about 200 million Swiss francs in the production, distribution and use of renewable energy. Before the energy ecosystem can be built, further planning and approval steps are needed. In the detailed planning, the entire value chain is to be organised. Before building applications can be submitted, the zoning plan of the municipality of Dagmersellen must also be adapted.
The population will be regularly informed about the project status. The current planning anticipates commissioning in 2027 at the earliest.