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Energiy solutions with CHP and heat pump, as implemented in the CHP Lighthouse Project Herford (first picture), were the focus of our E-world 2025 presentation.

At this year’s E-world Energy & Water fair in Essen, Germany, we have showcased our solutions for sustainable heat and power supply. We have exhibited the especially efficient and noise-reduced cogeneration (CHP) unit type Typ GG 50 6VRS with integrated condensing heat exchanger.

One of the many projects implemented with this CHP type is the Cogeneration Lighthouse Project Herford, which has been published by the German cogeneration association B.KWK recently. In this project the compact CHP unit produces electricity and, together with a heat pump (HP), over 98 % of the heat required by the residential district (fist picture) erected on the former NAAFI area of the British army. This is an example for our energy solutions, in which CHP unit and HP are intelligently combined and controlled to efficiently and cost-effectively provide renewable heat and electricity to local heating networks, public buildings, hotels, and various other properties.

Our in-house-developed plant control system precisely selects the CHP or HP based on when they can leverage their respective strengths. The CHP unit primarily operates during very low outside temperatures when renewable electricity is scarce and costly. On the other hand, the HP is predominantly in use during milder air temperatures and high electricity generation from renewable sources. Thanks to the CHP electricity revenue and the avoidance of electricity-intensive HP operation during extremely cold outside temperatures, we can economically, reliably, and environmentally friendly supply heat and electricity.

SOKRATHERM cogeneration units can already be operated with up to 40 % hydrogen and, after refitting, with 100 % hydrogen. Our CHP units fueled by biomethane, biogas or sewage gas already generate renewable power and heat. Prominent further application examples of this 50 kW power class are the CHP unit of the month August 2023 for the CHP + HP district heating supply at our head office in Hiddenhausen, the Durrant House hotel in England and the BTC shopping mall in Slovenia.

In addition to its traditional use in heat and power generation in a heating center, it has been employed in various special configurations. These include serving as a mobile CHP unit for supplying two locations, for emergency power supply, or even fully pre-installed in a container. From our portfolio of CHP units, ranging in output from 50 to 1,000 kW, over two thousand units have been delivered worldwide.

We thank all visitors for the fruitful conversations and look forward to turn the discussed projects into reality!