Innovative Energie Pullach (IEP) has broken ground on the expansion of its North Energy Center as part of the work to expand geothermal heating in Pullach in Bavaria, Germany. The new facility is scheduled to be ready for operations by the summer of 2025. The project is receiving funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

In 2022, we reported on the plans of the municipal energy company IEP to expand geothermal heating in Pullach with the goal of adding an extra output of 77 MW. The target is to eventually supply 100% of the heating demand in Pullach from geothermal resources from the current 46%. There has also been increased local support and acceptance of geothermal heating, partly ascribed to the Russian attack on Ukraine highlighting the importance of energy independence

The new building in the North Energy Center will have two stories and will house a workshop, warehouse, control centre, technical rooms and technical areas required for the operation of the building and the plant technology. These will include a ventilation and air conditioning system and a geothermal adsorption chiller.

The construction of the center will be done with sustainability in mind. Except for the areas important for structural stability, the building is planned as a timber structure. The facade will be clad in local larch wood, the top of the building with wooden shingles. IEP is installing a photovoltaic system on the roof. IEP will heat and cool the building with its geothermal energy. The roof and part of the facade will be covered in greenery.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, IEP Managing Director Helmut Mangold took time to answer questions from residents and address their concerns.