A Swiss waste recycling unit burns household waste to produce steam energy. The toxic combustion air is purified in three stages, till practically only steam (water vapour) exits the chimney. The CO₂-neutral energy is exported over a 5.6 km-long remote heating pipe to Liechtenstein. An "energy bridge" that crosses the Rhine has been built specially for the purpose.

 

To build the pipeline, Kremsmueller assembled 9,200 m of steam and condensate pipes with nominal widths up to DN 350. They are supported by 2000 brackets. The team welded 1650 seams, which were subjected to a 100 % X-ray inspection. The water pressure test once gain proved that only the best quality can be expected from Kremsmueller. In addition, heat exchanger stations were installed for the two large customers, so that the energy is stored in their in-house heating circuits. As punctually as a Swiss clockwork, the remote heating pipe became operational in June.

 

In a single stroke, Liechtenstein’s CO₂-emissions reduced by a third – a valuable contribution for the Principality to be able to fulfill its international commitments according to the Kyoto protocol. The calorific value of three tonnes of trash is equal to that of one tonne of crude oil. The project is proof that ecological and economical use can, in fact, go hand-in-hand. Thus, everyone emerges a winner: the trash recycling company, the consumers  of the steam energy, the country of Liechtenstein and – thanks to the improved air quality and the better quality of life – the population of the region.

 

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