In a move to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, Gerolsteiner Brunnen has officially begun construction of a new biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its Vulkanring site in Germany. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rhineland-Palatinate Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer, Federal Minister Verena Hubertz, and representatives from project partner E.ON, which is leading the plant’s planning, construction, and process engineering. Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer had words of praise for the project: “This project shows the central role that sustainable management has for Gerolsteiner. It is a very good sign for the location that continuous investments are being made in sustainability and green energy. Companies like Gerolsteiner are therefore important role models!”
Expected to be operational in early 2027, the biomass CHP facility will use locally sourced wood chips from unusable forest materials—such as defective, diseased wood and green waste—to generate both electricity and heat. Once online, the plant will supply up to 95 percent of the site’s heat needs and 20 percent of its electricity, enabling Gerolsteiner to cut over 7,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) is Gerolsteiner’s partner in the construction process of the biomass CHP plant. Marten Bunnemann, CEO of EIS, said at the event in the Vulkaneifel: “This project is an impressive example of how two strong partners can join forces to drive the energy transition forward. We are supporting Gerolsteiner with the new plant to become more independent and to save costs and emissions. This benefits the company, its customers, and the environment.”
The project highlights Gerolsteiner’s commitment to sustainable operations and regional climate action. By using only low-grade wood materials that cannot be repurposed by the timber industry, the initiative supports both the local economy and circular resource use, while strengthening energy security for the beverage producer.
