CHP plant and district heating ensure sustainable energy supply

Alongside strategies for urban development, architecture and the development of the exhibition centre, the location’s future energy supply is also a major element in our planning. To this end, Koelnmesse has developed a viable energy concept with the following objectives:

• The introduction of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly forms of energy supply
• The reduction of energy consumption through efficiency-boosting measures that will also lessen Koelnmesse’s carbon footprint
• Increased competitiveness through a reduction in energy costs

The first important milestone in these plans was the start-up of a combined heating and power station (CHP plant) and district heating connection in January 2016. It will ensure that the exhibition centre can itself generate some of the energy it requires. The new power plant covers the basic heat and electricity needs of the entire exhibition centre. The district heating connection ensures that any additional heating needs are also met. The new energy concept reduces annual CO2 emissions by 3,200 tons, which corresponds to the emissions produced by 2,100 small cars that drive 15,000 kilometres per year.