Friday, July 11, 2025
In an era focused on sustainable energy production, the Zweckverband Müllverwertung Schwandorf (ZMS) association in northeast Bavaria, Germany, has taken a significant step toward enhancing both the efficiency and environmental performance of its waste-to-energy facility. Established in 1982, the Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant has been pivotal in transforming municipal waste into energy and district heating for the local community. As part of its long-term sustainability goals, ZMS initiated the Triphönix modernisation project, aiming to upgrade the plant’s infrastructure and integrate advanced technologies to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. The first major step in this project involved replacing the flue gas cleaning system, a task that was entrusted to ANDRITZ, a global leader in decarbonisation technology.
Enhancing sustainability and performance at Schwandorf
The Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant serves a critical role in the region’s energy supply. Each year, the facility processes approximately 450,000 tonnes of municipal waste, converting it into electricity and heat. As part of the Triphönix project, ZMS aimed to replace outdated furnace lines and retrofit key systems to improve both the plant’s efficiency and its environmental footprint.
Konrad Rieger, the Technical Manager at ZMS, explained the historical significance of the Schwandorf plant, stating, “Since its inception, the plant has been an essential energy supplier for the region, feeding heat into the Schwandorf district heating network and supplying power to the public grid.”
The plant operates through a highly efficient combined heat and power (CHP) system. By using hot flue gases produced during waste incineration, it generates high-pressure steam, which powers turbines that produce both electricity and heat. Approximately 91% of the generated steam is used to power three turbines (with two turbines producing 12 MW each and one producing 32 MW), while the remaining steam is directed towards district heating and industrial processes. However, after over four decades of operation, the plant required substantial upgrades to maintain high performance and meet stricter environmental regulations. To this end, ANDRITZ was selected to supply a state-of-the-art flue gas cleaning system that would ensure the plant remained compliant with stringent emission standards.
ANDRITZ’s role in the modernisation project
The flue gas cleaning system is an essential part of the plant’s operation, helping to reduce harmful emissions and minimise environmental impact. For the Triphönix project, ANDRITZ was tasked with replacing the old reactor and filter system, along with the reagent storage and supply systems. They also delivered the Circulating Dry Scrubber (CDS) TurboSorb, a highly efficient flue gas cleaning technology.
Johannes Meyer, Technical Project Manager at ANDRITZ, highlighted the complexity of the project: “This was a challenging and rewarding project for us, as we not only had to retrofit the system into an existing plant but also ensure that the work was completed within the constraints of limited space.” ANDRITZ’s expertise in decarbonisation and flue gas cleaning technology proved invaluable throughout the process. The project was completed on time and within budget in August 2024, marking the first phase of the broader Triphönix project, which is scheduled for full completion by 2031.
Improving efficiency and meeting emission standards
One of the key drivers behind the renovation of the flue gas cleaning system was to ensure compliance with the updated environmental regulations in Germany and the EU. The new system now meets stricter emission limits, ensuring that the plant remains a responsible player in the region’s energy sector.
“Not only has the retrofit increased the availability of the plant, but it also enhances the long-term sustainability of the operation,” says Rieger. “This ensures a reliable energy supply for both industry and households, while also offering safe and environmentally responsible waste disposal for local municipalities.”
The new system’s efficiency is a crucial part of ZMS’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The upgraded flue gas cleaning system now operates with a high level of efficiency, capturing pollutants and minimising the plant’s impact on local air quality. Additionally, the retrofit has significantly improved energy efficiency, allowing the plant to operate at an even higher capacity while reducing emissions.
A partnership for the future
The collaboration between ZMS and ANDRITZ reflects the growing importance of partnerships between public institutions and technology providers in achieving sustainability goals. The Triphönix project not only ensures a more secure and efficient energy supply for the future, but it also plays a vital role in helping the region meet its broader environmental objectives, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Meyer from ANDRITZ remarked, “This partnership has been a model for how industries can work together to reduce their environmental impact. Our tailored solutions have addressed both technical and environmental challenges, setting a strong foundation for future collaboration.” As the Triphönix project progresses, the plant will continue to make significant strides in improving energy efficiency and sustainability. The success of this collaboration is expected to serve as a blueprint for other regions and industries seeking to modernize their waste-to-energy facilities while meeting the increasing demands for environmental responsibility and energy security.
The numbers behind Schwandorf’s energy generation
The Schwandorf plant’s energy generation process is both efficient and effective. Here are some key figures that highlight the plant’s contribution to the region’s energy needs:
Conclusion: A greener future
The modernisation of the Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant represents a critical step forward in the region’s transition to more sustainable energy practices. With the successful upgrade of the flue gas cleaning system, ANDRITZ and ZMS are not only improving operational efficiency but are also significantly reducing the plant’s environmental impact. This project exemplifies how collaboration between technology providers and public institutions can deliver long-term benefits, both for the community and the environment. By continuing to invest in modern, efficient technologies, the Schwandorf plant is poised to remain a key player in the region’s energy future while advancing sustainability and decarbonization goals.
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Tags: Andritz, Bavaria, decarbonization, Energy efficiency, environmental impact, european union, flue gas cleaning system, germany, Germany waste management, green energy, northeast Bavaria, renewable energy, Schwandorf, Schwandorf waste-to-energy plant, sustainability, waste-to-energy, ZMS
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