With ÖWAV Arbeitsbehelf 65, operators of energy from wastewater plants as well as the sewer and wastewater treatment plant operators, municipalities and energy suppliers involved now have a comprehensive set of rules for the energetic use of the thermal potential of wastewater at their disposal.
The guidelines were drawn up under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Ertl from BOKU Vienna and with the collaboration of renowned representatives from the wastewater sector, energy suppliers and industry. The Upper Austrian Rabmer Group, represented by specialist Dr. Rainer Wiedemann, was also able to play an active role in the working group thanks to its extensive expertise in energy from wastewater plants.
The ready-to-use working aid compiles the information on the topic of "energetic use of the thermal potential of wastewater", which is essential for a professional assessment of planned heat and cold utilization from wastewater. It sets out the technical aspects, legal and contractual conditions that wastewater companies should take into account before they give their consent to the use of the thermal potential of wastewater to generate energy or decide to do so themselves.
As a non-binding aid, contractual options for the installation of wastewater heat exchangers in sewers for the purpose of using energy from wastewater for heating and cooling purposes are attached in the appendix to this working aid ("suggested agreements"). The working aid is thus primarily aimed at wastewater companies as operators of sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants. However, it also provides good guidance for representatives of public authorities and can help project planners and energy suppliers involved in projects for the energetic use of the thermal potential of wastewater to better understand the boundary conditions and "no-gos" of the wastewater industry.
Further information & links
Download the working aid here: ÖWAV working aid 65 "Regulations for the energetic utilization of the thermal potential of wastewater"
The ÖWAV guidelines now also provide the basis for specific funding programs for the use of wastewater energy by the federal and state governments. The first concrete funding program in this context was adopted and published by the Climate and Energy Fund.
You can also find out more about energy from wastewater and the wide range of possible applications at www.energie-aus-abwasser.at
We are happy to advise you in this context and accompany you on the way from the potential and feasibility study to the implementation and successful operation of an energy from wastewater plant. Get in touch with us!
