Warndt, Saarland

The Warndt biomass combined heat and power plant produces electricity and heat using fresh forestry wood from the region. The electricity is fed into the national grid under the terms of the Renewable Energy Act. The greater part of the thermal energy is used to provide district heating for the municipality of Grossrosseln. In Warndt, STEAG uses Organic Rankine Cycle technology, i.e. the turbine is driven by a medium other than steam (in this case silicone oil). In this way, the electricity can be produced at significantly lower temperatures and pressures, with resulting benefits including improved efficiency.