Following this notarised agreement for Stadtwerke Schorndorf to become a co-shareholder in Neue Wärme Schorndorf GmbH, the management team has been expanded. Going forward, Dirk Wernicke will lead NWS alongside Ralf Tabellion, Cooperation Manager at Iqony. This means that the partnership-based collaboration between the shareholders is now also reflected in the company’s operational management.
Neue Wärme Schorndorf GmbH is the joint venture between Iqony and Stadtwerke Schorndorf. The aim is to establish a district heating supply for the Rems-Murr Clinics, the Grauhalde School Centre, the Künkelin site and, in the long term, up to 1,200 households. The plan is to create a modern district heating network based on a biomass heating plant with a capacity of around 4 MW. This is intended to gradually replace numerous existing oil and gas heating systems.
Over the past few months, the project company has laid the groundwork for the scheme. This included, amongst other things, a comprehensive site analysis: experts examined six alternative sites based on technical, logistical, planning law and other project-relevant criteria.
“Careful scrutiny and transparent working practices”
“The people of Schorndorf rightly expect us to examine matters carefully and work transparently. We have done just that,” says Dr Dirk Wernicke. “With these results, we now have a solid basis for the next decisions and can continue to develop the project consistently together with our partners. Our goal remains an affordable, climate-friendly and reliable heat supply for the people of Schorndorf.”
For the project partners, the long-term affordability of the heat supply is of paramount importance. The site analysis showed that alternative locations would have required longer pipeline routes and additional infrastructure costs. From the project partners’ perspective, a biomass heating plant on the Grauhalde offers the best conditions for combining security of supply, climate protection and a cost structure that is sustainable for customers.
“The past few months have been dominated by assessment and analysis,” says Ralf Tabellion, Managing Director of Neue Wärme Schorndorf GmbH. “We have evaluated technical options, examined the site selection in detail and laid the groundwork for further decisions. We now intend to press ahead with the project and create the conditions for a reliable, more climate-friendly and affordable heat supply in Schorndorf.”
