Advancing climate protection

The use of combined heat and power plants (CHP) is an integral part of wastewater treatment plant operations and continues to be strongly promoted through the addition of co-substrates and continuous repowering.

We already operate photovoltaic systems at 14 locations, the electricity from which we either use ourselves or feed into the grid. We have launched a major PV expansion project in order to further promote self-sufficiency. With the construction of plants with an output of 9.4 MWP, more than 2,000 households can be supplied with clean energy in the first phase.

The takeover of three hydropower plants complements the portfolio of PV plants, which mainly produce electricity in the summer months, with high electricity production, especially in the winter months.

Wind power will also soon be making its contribution to achieving our energy policy goals.

But it's not just technology, nature itself is also becoming a partner in the fight against climate change. Storms, droughts and pests have taken their toll on our forests. By reforesting with climate-resilient tree species such as oak, larch and maple, we are making an active contribution to climate protection. Each hectare of forest binds 3 to 6 tonnes ofCO2 per year, depending on the tree species, making it a valuable ally in the fight for a sustainable future. In this way, the forest becomes a climate protector.

Climate protection targets of the Ruhrverband* in 2023 (thousand tonnesof CO2e/a)