Climate Protection in Hiddenhausen: Photovoltaic System at the Schweicheln Wastewater Treatment Plant

Climate Protection as a Priority: Photovoltaic System at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

In March 2026, the city of Hiddenhausen decided to equip the Schweicheln wastewater treatment plant with a photovoltaic system. This step is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and promote renewable energy in municipal infrastructure. The decision not only signals a clear stance on climate protection but also reflects a pragmatic approach to rising energy costs and climate change.

Technical Implementation and Expectations

The PV system will be installed on the roof of the wastewater treatment plant and is expected to reach a capacity of approximately 52 kWp. With an annual electricity production of around 44,000 kWh, the system will enable a high degree of self-consumption of about 72%, meaning that the majority of the generated electricity will be consumed on-site directly. The degree of autonomy—i.e., the share of the electricity demand that is covered by the system—is around 20%.

The wastewater treatment plant consumes approximately 160,000 kWh of electricity per year. The PV system will therefore cover about one-fifth of the demand and save around 9,000 euros in electricity costs annually. In addition, it will save approximately 9.3 tons of CO2 per year. The investment costs amount to about 70,000 euros, resulting in a payback period of about seven years.

Funding and Tendering

The costs will be financed by the wastewater treatment plant, thereby minimizing the impact on the general municipal budget. The city has decided to tender the supply and installation of the system and award it to the most economically viable bidder. This process ensures transparency and competitiveness, which are crucial for an efficient and cost-effective implementation.

In the future, an expansion of the system is even conceivable to increase the degree of autonomy to 100%. For this, a storage capacity of 150–200 kWh and AI-controlled charging are planned. A dynamic electricity tariff is intended to optimize the use of surplus electricity. For now, however, a storage system will be omitted since it can be retrofitted later.

Climate Protection as an Investment in the Future

The construction of the photovoltaic system at the wastewater treatment plant is more than just a project to reduce electricity costs: it is a symbolic step toward climate-friendly urban development. The combination of renewable energy, efficient use, and long-term planning makes Hiddenhausen a model for the region. The decision is also a clear signal to investors, citizens, and other municipalities that climate protection is practically implementable in infrastructure.

In the coming months, the tendering for the planning and implementation will take place. There is still some time until the system is put into operation, but it is already evident that Hiddenhausen is on the right path with clear goals and concrete measures.

Outlook

The photovoltaic system at the Schweicheln wastewater treatment plant is only the first step toward climate neutrality. In the future, the city could utilize further rooftops to produce renewable energy and integrate other municipal facilities into the energy management system. With the right planning and public support, Hiddenhausen could become a model for other cities in the surrounding area.