Köpenick invests in green energy: groundbreaking for CO₂-neutral heating network!

Köpenick invests in green energy: groundbreaking for CO₂-neutral heating network!

The Köpenick Nord eG housing association has started modernizing its residential area on Regattastrasse. As part of this project, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new energy center was celebrated on October 29, 2025. BTB GmbH, a Berlin energy supplier, is developing an innovative and sustainable renovation concept based on the use of wastewater heat. This concept includes around 20 residential buildings with a total living space of around 40,000 m².

A central element of the energy concept is the conversion from gas heating to a fossil-free heat supply, which is guaranteed by heat pumps. A new, CO₂-neutral local heating network with a length of approx. 2 km is being installed, which is mainly fed by a central wastewater heat pump and an air heat pump.

Wastewater heat technology

The technology behind wastewater heat works by allowing water to flow through a wastewater heat exchanger in pipes that is colder than the wastewater in the sewer. The heat is transferred via a stainless steel heat exchanger, with the heated water reaching the heating center and forming the flow and return to the heat pump. This heat pump uses the heat from the duct with additional electricity. The temperature level of the wastewater recovers quickly because new flows into the sewer system and the absorption of ambient heat have to take place.

Another aspect of using wastewater heat is that several wastewater heat recovery systems can be installed in a sewer network. The rule of thumb is that the distance between the systems should be two to three times the system length. For a 100 meter long system, a distance of 200 to 300 meters from the next system would be advisable.

Important role of municipalities

The implementation of such projects shows how important municipalities and districts are in achieving national climate protection goals. They serve as role models for citizens and local companies. The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics supports municipalities in developing effective measures by creating municipal energy and climate protection concepts. This support is provided, for example, by analyzing the status quo of climate protection activities and drawing up energy and greenhouse gas balances.

Equally important are potential analyzes for energy saving and increasing efficiency, which examine various development scenarios and derive savings targets. In addition, the development of strategic energy management for buildings plays a crucial role in the implementation of climate protection strategies. Feasibility studies on the CO₂ reduction potential in buildings can also be important here.

Overall, it can be said that the modernization of the residential area on Regattastrasse not only represents progress for the residents affected, but also makes an important contribution to sustainable urban design and the achievement of climate goals. BTB GmbH and the housing cooperative Köpenick Nord eG rely on innovative technologies and sustainable solutions, which are in demand more than ever these days.

For more details on wastewater heat and its use, please visit Energy experts. Information about the importance of municipalities in climate protection issues can be found on the website Fraunhofer Institute.