The Hybrid Power Plant Neuried, Germany

Abstract

Biogas and geothermal are both renewable energy sources with a large potential to contribute to the EU target of increasing the share of renewable energy to 20 % until 2020. Currently, the worldwide first hybrid power concept coupling a biogas and a geothermal power plant is implemented in Neuried in the Upper Rhine Graben. The biogas plant is operational since 2007; the geothermal project will start drilling the first well in 2010. From a technical point of view, the hybrid approach considerably increases the power generation efficiency. In combination with the integrated heat use concept, it reduces CO2-emissions by up to 46,000 tons per year, supports the local energy supply and disposes of a diversified revenue structure. The pioneer hybrid plant Neuried can serve as the general proof of concept for this environmentally sound way of energy production.