In the framework of RES-DHC, Planair and Verenum will carry out two technical and economic case studies for increasing the share of renewable energy in the supply of thermal networks. Neyergie SA, the municipal company of Neyruz (Fribourg, Switzerland), has been selected as a first case.

Neyergie SA has been building a district heating network and a microgrid covering the centre of the municipality for the past six years. The aim is to supply consumers with 100 % renewable and local heat and electricity. A photovoltaic plant and an ageing wood chip boiler are already operational, but do not yet cover all the energy needs. The future installation of a battery will significantly improve the site’s autonomy, but will not meet the objective.

The study financed by the RES-DHC project will make it possible to determine the decarbonised, energetically optimal and economically bearable solutions for the small company. The engineering firm Planair SA, a specialist in renewable energy, will carry out the case study. Neyergie was chosen because it is an example of energy innovation. The aim of the study is to examine the feasibility, at competitive costs, of 100 % sustainable development on a municipal scale.

Text: Planair SA

Picture: Pilote Drone: The picture shows an aerial view of the photovoltaic power plant on the “Clédard” site in Neyruz.