König-Brauerei reduces site-specific CO2 emissions from heat generation by 67%

Here’s how the new energy supply system works: Brewers need thermal energy to heat the mash and boil the beer wort. This is supplied by thyssenkrupp Steel Europe in the form of zero-emission waste heat steam. The steam thus used is a byproduct of steel production and blast furnace gas recovery, among other things. This is confirmed by a study conducted by the University of Duisburg-Essen, which assesses the project's CO₂ emissions.

The steam is conducted to the König-Brauerei through a newly constructed pipeline that is approximately 450 meters long. It connects the brewery to thyssenkrupp Steel Europe’s existing waste heat network. The König-Brauerei uses the thermal energy contained in the steam to generate fresh steam for brewing processes with the help of a heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to burn fossil fuels in these processes, as was previously required.

“Our new energy supply system is a flagship project for the use of industrial waste heat in Duisburg and the Ruhr region,” emphasizes Guido Christiani, Managing Director of the König-Brauerei. Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has provided financial support for the new energy supply system as part of the “Energy Efficiency in the Economy” funding competition.