Villmergen is planning two heating networks
In the municipality of Villmergen, two independent networks for renewable heat are to be implemented. The municipality wants to plan one with the electricity company of the city of Zurich. For the other, AEW Energie AG is to become an investor.
The municipality of Villmergen and AEW Energie AG are examining the realization of two independent heating networks. According to a media release from the energy supplier, the municipality is planning a heating center for renewable heat in the Perimeter Dorf together with the electricity company of the city of Zurich ( ewz ). Both want to invest around 7 million Swiss francs for this. A second network is to be created with AEW as an investor in the perimeter of industry. In an initial phase, AEW is providing around CHF 10 million for this.
The prerequisite for the implementation of this plan is the approval of the voters at the municipal assembly on November 25, 2022. The first heat delivery is planned for the 2024/2025 heating period.
According to AEW, the added value remains in the region: the Rietenberg forest area is to supply fuel for the village, and operation is ensured by the Villmergen municipal works. This could be used to heat 340 households in a CO2-neutral manner. That corresponds to a saving of 352,000 cubic meters of natural gas or 750 tons of CO2 emissions.
The heat from the industrial heating network would be produced largely from regionally grown wood and waste wood, as well as oil to cover peak loads. This can heat 700 households in a CO2-neutral way. This saves around 640,000 cubic meters of natural gas annually, which would cause 2,900 tons of CO2 emissions.