Information event on the preparation of the feasibility study
On the evening of 22 February 2022, the preparation of the feasibility study for a sustainable energy supply for the municipality of Nebelschütz was presented to the public in the municipal council hall. The study is to show whether the visions from the community energy concept for a sustainable and grandchild-friendly supply are technically and economically feasible. This guarantees that the later implementation will pay off for all citizens and the local businesses.
After the mayor's welcome, Mr Bellmann from the Bautzen District Energy Agency presented the project. Mr Wilhelm-Kell then gave an overview of the energy transition in the electricity sector, Dr Schneider from Fraunhofer IEG in Zittau reported on the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in the heating sector and Dr Schmidt from Fraunhofer IWU provided information on the possible forms of storing electricity and heat for short or longer periods. In the subsequent exchange with the participants, their concerns were recorded in order to take them into account in the feasibility study.
All presentations can be downloaded here:
- Presentation of the project and the project partners involved (Marcel Bellmann, Energy Agency of the District of Bautzen)
- Round table 1 - future generation and supply of electricity by means of renewable energy generation plants (Hannes Wilhelm-Kell)
- Round table 2 - future generation and supply of heat by means of renewable energy generation plants (Dr. Clemens Schneider, Fraunhofer IEG Zittau)
- Round table 3 - future storage and distribution concepts for electricity and heat (Dr. Sebastian Schmidt, Fraunhofer IWU Zittau)
- The current community energy concept can be read here and the organigram can be found here.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcel Bellmann from the Bautzen District Energy Agency by telephone (03591 380 2100) or by e-mail (
As a model municipality for an energy supply suitable for grandchildren
Since 01.01.2022, a project consortium consisting of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the community of Nebelschütz/Gmejna Njebjelčicy, the private energy consultant Hannes Wilhelm-Kell and the Energy Agency of the Bautzen district has been preparing a feasibility study for a "grandchild-friendly" energy supply in the community of Nebelschütz/Gmejna Njebjelčicy. On 10. and 14.01.2022 the kick-off meetings took place to coordinate the first activities.
In 2021, the participants had submitted a project outline to the Free State of Saxony via the funding guideline "Sustainably out of the crisis" and, following a positive decision, submitted the formal funding application to the saxonian structural bank (Sächsische Aufbaubank). In a total of 7 work packages, it will be investigated by the end of 2022 how the plans of the community of Nebelschütz/Gmejna Njebjelčicy for a grandchild-friendly economy with a supply from environmentally friendly energy sources are technically and economically feasible. All this will be done with the participation of all local stakeholders in order to attract potential investors. First, the current state of energy demand and energy production in the community is analyzed. Subsequently, conceptual considerations for future energy production based on renewable energy sources, their use and storage are made. The possible concepts will then be evaluated technically and economically. With the help of a guideline, it should be possible for other municipalities to follow the example of Nebelschütz. The feasibility study will be completed by the end of this year.
From January 2022 to March 2023, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the two Fraunhofer Institutes IEG and IWU from Zittau, the energy consultant Hannes Wilhelm-Kell and the Energy Agency of the Bautzen district prepared the feasibility study for an energy supply suitable for grandchildren in the community of Nebelschütz. The study underpins a community energy concept already prepared in 2019 by local stakeholders and examines which technologies and supply concepts can be meaningfully linked to ensure a supply suitable for grandchildren.
By means of a so-called balancing group, the supply of consumers in the community is possible. A balancing group manager acts as a kind of "community plant". The users conclude a supply contract with the balancing group manager. The community plant can supply locally generated electricity, based on renewable energy sources, to the customers. In times of overproduction, this electricity is stored in batteries or hydrogen or fed into the power grid for a fee. In times of underproduction, e.g. during dark periods in winter, the municipal plant first uses the stored electricity or buys additional electricity into the balancing group via the power grid.
The study concluded that an electricity price of around 24 ct/kWh can be expected without levies and charges. The price is so favorable because the price components of electricity tax and network charges can be eliminated or reduced in the narrowly defined supply area if the appropriate legal basis is created. This will make electricity significantly cheaper for citizens, companies and municipal consumers in the long term.
The electricity generated on site can also be used to supply heat in Nebelschütz on the basis of heat pumps. The goal of the federal government and the forecast of leading studies is a considerable expansion of the heat supply on the basis of this technology. This will be possible in Nebelschütz, taking into account the supply via the municipal plant, at heat prices of just under 10 ct/kWh and can thus reach the level of natural gas condensing heating systems. The study calculated that a supply level of 55 % with locally generated energy is economical. The local players alone will determine the pace of expansion. Since implementation will probably take several years, all those involved need a lot of staying power.
The Free State of Saxony funded the measure with around €180,000 through the "Sustainably out of the crisis" support program. A further €10,000 was contributed through the prize money of the eku Future Prize.
