Regenerative storage helps power Querdel organic farm in showcase solution
The Querdel organic farm in Münsterland is home to one of the largest regenerative storage power plants in Germany. Powered by three Jenbacher combined heat and power (CHP) units, the plant is more than just an example of smart, flexible, and reliable green power and heat generation from CO2-neutral energy sources. It is also testimony to the fact that regenerative storage power plants are an important building block of success for the energy transition in Germany.
Vegetables and fruit have been grown according to organic farming regulations at the Querdel organic farm in Sassenberg, Nordrhine-Westphalia, since 2005. The farm also is a member of Germany’s Bioland association, which promotes organic farming and the transformation of the food and agriculture industry. As a result, both food production and the farm's energy supply are subject to strict quality standards. For example, the Bioland label stipulates that 100% of the thermal energy used to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers must come from renewable sources.
It’s plain to see that our energy systems need fundamental and rapid reform. The new Jenbacher CHP unit at the Querdel organic farm is a prime example of the vital contribution that regenerative storage power plants can make here.
Before the farm’s greenhouse area was doubled in size in 2022, its thermal energy needs were met by the farm's own biogas plant and a wood chip heating system. After the major expansion, additional heat supply became necessary. Seeking an efficient solution, the farmers opted for the regenerative storage power plant concept with proven Jenbacher technology from the INNIO Group, installing three Jenbacher J620 engines with a total power output of 10.06 MW, a total thermal output of 10.63 MW, and high overall efficiency of 93.6%. The units are powered by biomethane supplied via the natural gas grid, which is possible because biomethane has the same chemical properties as natural gas. As a purified form of biogas, biomethane offers the key advantage of being a renewable energy source.
Highly flexible storage power plant
The high thermal output of the Jenbacher CHP units combined with a large heat storage tank has significantly eased pressure on greenhouse operations at the Querdel organic farm. The 4,000-cubic-meter heat storage tank helps ensure a steady heat supply – even when the CHP units are at a standstill. In the past, adverse weather conditions led to unpredictable heat shortages, but now there is always enough stored heat to melt snow from the glass roofs, preventing structural collapse and crop loss.
Our Jenbacher unit fits excellently with our ethos. Not only do we use it to produce green electricity and heat for our operations, we also feed electricity into the public grid at peak hours. This generates a significant stream of revenue for us and allows us to make an important contribution to the energy transition.
The large heat storage tank is needed because the farm’s Jenbacher CHP units do not run in continuous base load operation, but only generate energy as peak load power stations when there is insufficient solar and wind power available on the grid. During these periods, the farm supplies reserve energy to the grid, generating high electricity market yields – an important revenue source. This flexible operation driven by the electricity market required a separation of production from heat demand, a challenge that was solved by the heat storage tank. In addition, to optimize both primary energy costs and revenue from electricity sales, the farm installed an 11,600-cubic-meter biomethane storage tank. This investment is expected to pay off within three or four years as the cost of biomethane can be halved with the aid of the storage tank, depending on the mode of operation.
The regenerative storage power plant at the farm represents a pioneering energy transition project in every respect. It is characterized by a great deal of flexibility thanks to its storage tank and operating mode. In addition, the three Jenbacher engines are “Ready for H2.” Right now, they can run on up to 25% hydrogen, and they can be converted to run on up to 100% hydrogen in the future. Thanks to these investments, the Querdel organic farm is prepared for the hydrogen ramp up!
