Energy - Millions in funding for Leipzig district heating project
Previously unused heat from Total Refinery in Leuna is planned to provide heat for apartments in Leipzig in the future. The Federal Ministry of Economics has approved a million funding for this project. The project shows how climate protection and economic development can go hand in hand, explained parliamentary state secretary Michael Kellner. Approximately 100,000 residential units in Leipzig could be heated using heat from the refinery. At the same time, around 158,000 tons of CO2 could be avoided annually. The project aims to replace previous heat from the Lippendorf Brown Coal Power Plant.
Total Energies plans to invest 68 million Euros in the project, according to their own statements. Heat exchanger systems will be established to make refinery waste heat usable. In this way, water will be heated and then injected into the Leipzig district heating network. The Bund is reportedly contributing 27 million Euros. In addition, a 19 kilometer long connection road is planned to transport heat from Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt to Leipzig. The construction of this pipeline by the city utilities is reportedly supported by further 70 million Euros from a federal program.
Total Energies has announced 2025 as the start of construction for their part of the project, with completion planned for early 2028.
Total Energies' Leuna Heat Project (City of Leipzig)
- The Federal Ministry of Economics has provided funding in the millions for Total Energies' Leuna Heat Project in collaboration with the City of Leipzig.
- Saxony-Anhalt, specifically the city of Leuna, will contribute refinery heat to district heating in Leipzig, benefitting approximately 100,000 residential units.
- Parliamentary State Secretary Michael Kellner emphasized the project's significance, highlighting how it bridges climate protection and economic development.
- The project aims to replace the heat supplied by the Lippendorf Brown Coal Power Plant, potentially reducing annual CO2 emissions by around 158,000 tons.
- Total Energies has pledged an investment of 68 million Euros into the project, while Saxony's municipalities contribute an additional 70 million Euros for the pipeline construction.
