Industrial waste heat integration for Graz's district heating network

Customer

Bioenergie Gruppe

Country

Austria

Application

Local & district heating

Construction period

2016 – 2017

Product solutions

  • 21 km DN 400/630 & 335

The Gratkorn district heating project, constructed in 2016 and 2017, utilizes waste heat from the Sappi Gratkorn paper mill's combined heat and power (CHP) plant to provide sustainable heating for the city of Graz. A 9 km underground pipeline delivers heat to 18,000 households, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tons annually.

Harnessing industrial waste heat

The project is a pioneering example of industrial waste heat utilization, where excess heat from the production process at the mill is captured and redirected into the district heating network of Graz. The mill operates a highly efficient CHP system, which generates both electricity and heat. The collaboration between Sappi, Bioenergie Wärmeservice GmbH (BWS), and Energie Graz underpined the project’s success, contributing to Graz's long-term environmental and sustainability goals. 

Big air pollution control has been enhanced while ensuring a reliable supply of heat to the city of Graz. About 15% of Graz’s annual district herating needs are now covered. Six years after completion, a total of 1 million mW hours of heat have been supplied to the provincial capital.

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