Mertesdorf community pursues district heating using wastewater heat

A public meeting in Mertesdorf drew strong interest in a proposed district‑heating network that would use sustainable wastewater heat from the local treatment plant to warm the Ruwertal outdoor pool and potentially other buildings. Experts from the Energy Agency of Rhineland‑Palatinate outlined the general possibilities of such systems, while the municipality’s climate manager Michael Reuter and plant manager Sebastian Schmitz presented results of a feasibility study confirming the technical viability.

Residents are now asked to complete a questionnaire – available on the Verbandsgemeinde website – by 17 April 2026. The survey will gauge overall interest, property conditions and preferred connection options, providing data needed to calculate realistic network designs and pricing. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut CO₂ emissions and keep energy value creation within the region.

Contact persons for further information are Michael Reuter (klima@ruwer.de) and Ansgar Heck (as‑chief‑municipal‑officer).