Sustainably networked: Sandro Zehner and Peter Lachmuth at WERO
Taunusstein, October 2023. Sandro Zehner, the current district administrator, and Peter Lachmuth, the first town councillor, visited WERO. The occasion was the newly installed heat pump and a joint discussion about sustainable energy concepts in the region. They were welcomed by Wolfram Michallik, Managing Director of Vality Ventures GmbH & Co KG, to which WERO also belongs, and Sustainability Manager Pascal Neupar. Together, the first walk took them to the roof of the WERO logistics building in Taunusstein. In bright sunshine the guests were able to see the XXL heat pump for themselves - one of the largest in the Rheingau-Taunus district.
"We are standing here in front of the centrepiece of the project! In principle, the installation is also the one that you see in some front gardens - only as an industrial standard," says Wolfram Michallik.
With the installation of the heat pump, WERO has laid another central building block for a sustainable energy future: It cools in summer and heats in winter. The costs of the innovative and environmentally friendly technology amount to around 1 million euros, with a portion being subsidised by the state. For Wolfram Michallik, the project is a milestone in the company's sustainability mission:
"We want to go to the substance. The WERO site has so much solar radiation, so why should we still rely on fossil fuels and blow them out the chimney? We want to be more independent from energy purchases and do our bit at the same time!"
Sandro Zehner is also concerned with the use of renewable energies. Following the inspection, there was a joint discussion at about further sustainable prospects for the region:
"We have many ideas, such as how roof surfaces and car park areas could be used for photovoltaic systems. Just think of schools. During the day, they are very energy-intensive, but after school is over, nothing happens here . However, with regard to schools in particular, our focus is on personnel costs and building maintenance." (Sandro Zehner)
Wolfram Michallik can also confirm that even the popular topic of photovoltaics is not a sure-fire success. Nevertheless, he is willing to push ahead with sustainable technologies and continue to invest and provide new impetus in this area. In particular, networking with other companies from the region, for example with a round table, has been endorsed by all sides.
"The industrial estate in Maisel in particular offers potential. The heating network could be an option here ," says Sandro Zehner.
In conjunction with the three largest companies based here, a joint, sustainable project could be realised from the climate-neutral energy sources of heat pumps, photovoltaics and the heating network. Initial talks on this are to follow.
However, Wolfram Michallik and Pascal Neupar would also like to realise further sustainable projects for WERO and the region independently of this: A second heat pump is currently being planned for the roof of the administration building at .
