EEW and enercity raise Hannover-Lahe waste-to-energy heat output to up to 85 MW
- Heat output increased from 50 MW to up to 85 MW via a new steam turbine bypass and other energy-efficiency measures.
- Retrofit work under way, scheduled for full completion by Q2 2027; new capacity available for the 2027/2028 heating season.
- No additional waste volumes required; the upgrade diverts steam to district heating in high-demand modes and maintains CHP in other modes.
- enercity will expand pipelines to distribute increased district heating capacity and operate the plant flexibly based on demand and market conditions.
Project overview
enercity and EEW are upgrading the thermal waste-to-energy plant at Hannover-Lahe to increase district heating capacity without adding waste input. The partners agreed in early 2025 to expand the plant’s potential, targeting an increase in usable heat from 50 MW to up to 85 MW through a steam turbine bypass and other energy-efficiency measures.
Technical changes and operation
The optimisation lets EEW bypass the turbine in high-heat-demand situations to divert more steam to the district heating network, and operate as combined heat and power (CHP) in other modes. This reduces heat loss and increases usable energy while lowering electricity output when heat extraction is maximised.
Timeline and distribution
Initial measures are part of the plant’s ongoing overhaul, with retrofit work scheduled to be fully completed by the second quarter of 2027 and the additional district heating capacity available for the 2027/2028 heating season. enercity is also investing in pipeline expansions to distribute the increased capacity across Hannover.
Market role and flexibility
enercity plans to use the optimised plant as a flexible component of its diversified heat and electricity portfolio, choosing between higher heat or higher electricity production depending on demand and market conditions to support supply security on cold days and enable market-oriented operation.
Source: EEW Energy from Waste
