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Freiburg – The blueFACTORY innovation district in Freiburg is implementing an innovative water and energy concept in conjunction with Groupe E and SINEF AG. This project will rely on the integration of various sources of renewable energy available in the local area. The overall aim is to create a circular economy.

At its low carbon innovation district located right at the heart of Freiburg, Bluefactory Fribourg-Freiburg AG will be implementing an exemplary concept from this spring onwards. The project aims to manage energy and water flows. It was devised together with the energy supplier Groupe E and SINEF AG, which specializes in water, energy and industrial pipeline systems. According to a press release issued by Groupe E, the first project realization phase will come in at an estimated cost of 11 million Swiss francs. However, it is claimed that the concept could also be replicated across other districts.

For this, the supply networks that are to be established would have to optimally use local natural resources – the source of the Pilettes, geothermal and solar energy – as well as the facilities located in the local area, such as water storage tanks, sewer pipes, cable routing and the district heating network. The overall aim here is to put a circular economy in place to reduce the energy-based and ecological carbon footprint of the district and promote biodiversity. Last but not least, there should also be something of a feelgood factor for users.

Groupe E is to implement an energy concept based on the principle of heat exchange at low temperatures. Heat energy comes directly from the ground, from the source of the Pilettes as well as from rainwater and wastewater. Peak loads are covered by the nearby Freiburg district heating system, with photovoltaic installations responsible for providing the electricity required from day to day.

The water management concept developed by SINEF AG facilitates the reintroduction of a natural water cycle in the city center. For this, rainwater is collected and wastewater from the local area is purified. The water collected is then used to flush toilets as well as for cleaning and irrigation, while the site also produces urine-based fertilizers.