In a major step toward sustainable energy, Gerolsteiner Brunnen has officially broken ground on a new biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its site in the Vulkaneifel region. The ceremony was held in the presence of Alexander Schweitzer, Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, and Verena Hubertz, Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building. The project is being developed in partnership with energy company E.ON, which is overseeing planning, construction, and process engineering.
Once operational, the biomass plant is expected to play a significant role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing the company’s climate goals. The investment marks a further milestone in Gerolsteiner’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
Prime Minister Schweitzer praised the initiative, noting: “This project highlights the importance of sustainable business practices at Gerolsteiner. It’s a strong signal that continuous investment is being made in green energy and climate protection. Companies like Gerolsteiner serve as valuable role models.”
Gerolsteiner has aligned its climate strategy with the 1.5-degree Celsius target set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The company had pledged to cut emissions at its site by 59 percent by 2030 compared to 2016 levels. Remarkably, it reached this target ahead of schedule in 2024. “This achievement is the result of numerous small and large changes,” said Roel Annega, Chairman of the Management Board. “The biomass plant is another significant step on our climate protection journey.”
The project is being carried out in collaboration with E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS). Marten Bunnemann, CEO of EIS, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “This initiative demonstrates what strong collaboration can achieve. We’re helping Gerolsteiner reduce emissions and energy costs, contributing to sustainability for the company, its customers, and the broader environment.”
The biomass CHP plant, scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, will use locally sourced wood chips to generate both electricity and heat. Designed to meet approximately 95 percent of Gerolsteiner’s total heat requirements and 20 percent of its electricity needs at the Vulkanring facility, the plant is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by over 7,000 tonnes annually.
The fuel for the plant will consist solely of low-grade wood, including damaged and diseased trees, forest residues, and green waste—materials unsuitable for use in higher-value wood processing.
With this project, Gerolsteiner continues to demonstrate that sustainable business and industrial progress can go hand in hand.
