Waldbad Bomlitz:
New Heat Technology Saves up to €50,000 in Energy Costs per year.
Thirds right: Astrid Grotelüschen, Lower Saxony Minister for Nutrition, Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Regional Development
The conclusion of a successful project is at the same time the kick-off for a new future of the Waldbad Bomlitz. After a yearlong planning- and construction period, the new heat technology was started up officially in the traditional outdoor pool. By utilizing the exhaust heat from the municipal waste water treatment plant, the communities can save up to €50,000 per year in energy costs.
On Friday, 25 June 2010 afternoon, the project was officially completed with a reception in the Waldbad when the new heat technology was started up. “This is what I call an intelligent solution”, said Astrid Grotelüschen, the Lower Saxony Minister for Nutrition, Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Regional Development. The usage of industrial waste heat for municipal facilities is beneficial for everyone involved and could well serve as a model for other communities.
“The project is a perfect example for an effective collaboration between citizens, communities, authorities and industry”, emphasized Michael Lebid. With this step, the future of the Waldbad has finally been secured and an important leisure- and sports facility has been saved and retained for the region, stressed Lebid. Of the total costs of around €500,000, the community of Bomlitz carried about €300,000. The remaining €200,000 came from European subsidy funds. “Without the support from the Leader-Initiative and the common effort of all involved partners this project could not have been implemented”, said Lebid.
The mayor emphasized the signal effect of this trendsetting project with regard to environmental, economical and social aspects. The energetic modernization has demonstrated that many partners and interest groups can combine efforts. Lebid thanked the Leader-Initiative, the association “Friends of the Waldbad”, the booster club and the Office of Geoinformation, Land development and Real Estate and the State of Lower Saxony in this vein, as well as Dow Wolff Cellulosics and its affiliated company Probis which initiated, planed and executed this project. Honoring the exemplary collaboration, Dr. Volker Eckhardt, general manager of DWC presented Michael Lebid with a picture containing the two symbols at once– the Waldbad and the heat exchanger which is located on the site of the wastewater treatment plant. “Together, let us get other communities excited about this exemplary project so that they can follow us”, said Eckhardt.
Altogether €500,000 were invested in the new heat technology at whose core is a heat plate exchanger and an underground pipeline which has been placed through the forest Eibia to connect the Waldbad with the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The water from the Waldbad is pumped to the wastewater treatment plant over a distance of 450 meters, is then heated by using the waste heat after which it is led back to the pool. With this, the Waldbad is receiving a major part of its energy needs from the municipal wastewater treatment plant in the future.
“Through the conversion of the heat technology, the water can be heated from 24 up to 30 degrees, depending on the season”, said Andreas Brinkmann, Probis project leader at the project presentation. Moreover, energy savings of up to €50,000 annually are feasible. Natural gas to heat the showers and electricity for the pump operation and lighting will be all the energy needed additionally.
