Flexible Electricity and Biomethane Hub: Seven Families, One Shared Network
Anyone travelling through Reken in the western Münsterland region today will, at first glance, see what has always characterised the area: agricultural farms, fields and several biogas plants. Only on closer inspection does it become apparent that something special is taking shape here.
Seven operating families have decided not to continue developing their plants individually. Instead, they are jointly establishing a raw biogas network that connects their sites, thereby creating the foundation for centralised biomethane upgrading.
It is a step that requires courage. Each family feeds its own biogas into the shared network. In future, the raw biogas will be transported via approximately 20 kilometres of pipeline to the central upgrading facility at the Benning family’s plant. From 2027 onwards, biomethane will be produced there before being injected into the Thyssengas gas network.
The idea behind this is as straightforward as it is consistent: existing biogas plants should continue to remain a reliable part of the energy supply, while gaining an additional source of income. The combined heat and power (CHP) units are not being replaced. They will continue to generate electricity whenever it is needed, while at the same time supplying local district heating networks. For many public facilities and households in the region, this heat will remain an important component of the local energy supply. Biomethane complements this concept and opens up new marketing opportunities for the operating families.
A Shared Project Requires Shared Rules
Seven families, seven plants and, in future, one shared gas network – this can only function if everyone involved can always understand exactly what is happening within the network.
Who is feeding in which volume of gas? What is the quality of the raw biogas? What quantities are being withdrawn and at which points? And how can all of this be documented transparently?
These questions were already at the centre of the planning process from an early stage. Together with PlanET Biogastechnik, a measurement concept was therefore developed that takes the entire network into account. Among other things, PlanET also planned and developed the containers housing the gas analysis systems.
This created the conditions required to ensure the reliable long-term operation of all measuring points.
Measurement Technology That Builds Trust
Throughout the network, 13 AwiFLEX XL gas analysis systems perform this task. They are installed at the key points of the raw biogas network and continuously monitor the gas quality by measuring CH₄, CO₂ and O₂, while H₂S is measured discontinuously within a measuring range of 0–20 ppm.
In this way, the AwiFLEX XL systems ensure that both the shared gas network and the downstream plant equipment and consumers are reliably protected against unacceptable sulphur concentrations.
However, their actual task extends far beyond this. In a network such as this, measurement data becomes the common language of everyone involved. It documents the volumes of gas fed into and withdrawn from the network, provides reliable data for subsequent billing, and gives the operating families continuous confidence in the condition of their shared network.
Where several businesses operate together, trust is not built on assumptions, but on transparent and verifiable data.
When Planning Becomes Reality
Before the overall system can be commissioned, each individual measuring point is carefully put into operation.
Our service engineer inspects the installed AwiFLEX XL systems directly on site, calibrates the sensors, checks communication with the plant control system and supervises the initial measurements. Step by step, every component of the AwiFLEX system is checked to ensure that it operates exactly as planned. Only once all measured values are plausible and every measuring point is operating reliably are our gas analysis systems placed into regular operation.
Projects of this scale clearly demonstrate how important the final stages are before a plant is ready for operation. A shared gas network can only function smoothly if every detail is correct.
Looking Ahead
From the initial idea to implementation, approximately five years have passed. Today, a project is taking shape in Reken that demonstrates how existing biogas plants can continue to develop without giving up their established strengths.
Flexible electricity generation will remain an important element of this concept. At the same time, the joint biomethane upgrading facility creates new prospects for the future. Additional plants may be connected to the raw biogas network in the years ahead, and the first discussions are already under way.
For us, this project is above all an example of what can be achieved when people are prepared to explore new paths together. Our Awite measurement technology provides the transparency required for this, but the real success is made possible by the people behind the project.
Seven families pooling their experience, sharing responsibility and investing in the future together.
We would like to thank everyone involved for the trust they have placed in us as a partner in this exceptional project. We wish all participants every success in the years ahead – and, of course, good gas at all times.
Welcome, apex!
Since the beginning of April, we have been delighted to welcome apex AG as our new sales and service partner in Switzerland. We are very pleased to be working together and look forward to a successful partnership.
With more than 30 years of experience in CNG, biogas and hydrogen technology, apex AG brings a wealth of expertise. The company is renowned for its reliable service, technical competence and close customer support – an excellent foundation for a strong and lasting partnership.
To ensure a successful start from day one, the apex team recently visited us in Niederhummel for several days of product training. During their stay, they gained first-hand insight into our measurement systems, products and processes. Alongside the technical training, there was also plenty of opportunity for personal exchange and getting to know one another.
For our customers in Switzerland, this partnership means one thing above all: even greater local support. With an experienced contact based directly in Switzerland, service visits can be carried out more quickly, enquiries can be answered more efficiently, and projects can be supported even more effectively.
We are proud to have apex AG as a strong partner by our side and would like to thank the entire team for such a successful start and the excellent cooperation we have already experienced. We look forward to many successful projects together – welcome to the AWITE network!
Summer Celebration with the Whole Family – Celebrating and Enjoying Together
Blessed with glorious summer weather, we were delighted to celebrate our traditional annual summer party once again together with our employees and their families. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, filled with great conversations, a relaxed atmosphere and many memorable moments shared together.
Our younger guests had plenty of fun on the bouncy castle, while the adults enjoyed the opportunity to catch up over a freshly poured draught beer. A DJ provided the perfect musical backdrop throughout the day, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere with a varied selection of music.
Once again, one of the highlights of the day was our extensive buffet. Many of our colleagues contributed a wonderful selection of homemade sweet and savoury dishes, prepared with great care and creativity. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone whose culinary contributions helped make the event such a success.
The guided tour of our production facilities also attracted considerable interest. Family members were given fascinating insights into our manufacturing operations and had the opportunity to experience first-hand our processes, technologies and the day-to-day work at Awite.
A Strong Sense of Commitment
The strong team spirit that characterised our summer celebration is also reflected in the long-standing commitment of many of our employees.
Back in March, Bettina, Bernd and Steve celebrated their 10-year work anniversaries with Awite. In August, Tobi will reach another significant milestone as he celebrates 20 years with the company.
Long-serving employees are a key part of our company’s success. Their experience, dedication and loyalty shape our corporate culture and make a valuable contribution to the future of Awite. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for their many years of commitment and look forward to many more successful years together.
