For Josef Taffertshofer, the advantages of a local heating network are obvious.
In order for one to be built on the Kirchberg in Wildsteig, however, numerous homeowners have to pull along and convert.
So far there are not enough interested parties on board.
Time's running.
Wildsteig
- There are opportunities that don't often open up - and at some point they are gone.
The chance of a local heating network on Kirchberg could be such a case, fears Wildsteig's mayor Josef Taffertshofer.
Because the heating plant required for this, as well as the network itself, could now be built within the framework of the new “Am Grohholz” building area.
But for both to be profitable, more customers are needed for the heat than the future homeowners.
So far there have not been enough interested parties.
Too small a number of the preliminary contracts sent out at Kirchberg came back signed.
"We had some areas where the response was very good," says Taffertshofer.
“But also areas where nobody participates.” The town hall chief has not given up hope yet.
“It's not far off,” he says.
Wildsteig's mayor Josef Taffertshofer promotes local heating
In order for the construction to be profitable and also eligible for funding, a minimum heat sales of 500 kWh per route meter and year must be achieved.
With the commitments made so far for connection to such a network, 480 kWh would be achieved.
In order to get more wild climbers excited about the project, Taffertshofer invited to an information event, 33 interested people came. The advantages of a local heating network were explained. According to Taffertshofer, the funding conditions have improved further this year. Not only the connection to the network is now financially supported, but also the dismantling and disposal of old devices. Those who rely on local heating also no longer need a chimney sweeper, a tank room or a boiler room. It is also cheaper because fossil fuels are becoming increasingly expensive. For Wildsteig, Taffertshofer has in mind a supply based on wood chips. "This means that you heat in a climate-neutral and inexpensive way," he says. However, heat generated with other energy sources could also be fed into the grid.“We are not committed to wood for better or worse,” says the mayor. "We would have a maximum of security of supply."
Interested parties can register until July 12th
Kirchberg residents can now contact the community until July 12 if they want to use local heating in the future.
A decision will then be made by the end of July as to whether the “Am Grohholz” heating plant will be built and the network set up.
The fact that time is running out is due not only to the funding opportunities but also to the development of the new building area.
In order for the project to pay off, the new houses "Am Grohholz" would have to be connected.
Once they are there and are supplied with heat in a different way, "we have lost the builders," says Taffertshofer. A local heating network on Kirchberg will no longer be an issue for a long time. Taffertshofer would regret that not only for reasons of cost, but also for the environment: "We want to do our part to ensure that the climate targets are achieved."
